Being charged with rape can come as a horrible shock. No one wants to be accused of a crime, but if the time comes that you are standing accused of a crime like rape, the best thing you can do for yourself is to be prepared. You have the right to defend against the charges you are facing, and an adept attorney can help you fight those charges in court. The sooner you reach out for legal assistance, the more your attorney can help you build a solid defense case.
In the state of California, the crime of rape is defined in Section 261 of the Penal Code. You can be charged with rape if you are alleged to have engaged in intercourse with someone who did not provide consent, even if there was no force or threat involved in the act. If you live in L.A. and are facing one of these or other rape charges, contact Okabe and Haushalter. Our firm has some of the best rape defense attorneys, and we can put our experience and legal know-how to work for you.
California state law says that consent must be obtained between two parties engaging in a sex act in order for that act to be lawful. However, there are several circumstances under which legal consent cannot be obtained even if both parties agree to have sex. For example, persons who are diagnosed with certain medical or developmental conditions may not give legal consent even if they verbally agree to engage in sex. Also, if a person claims for any reason to have not been cognizant of the sex act at the time it took place—such as if they were under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of the act—they can level a rape charge against the person they had sex with.
People accused of rape can retain counsel and have the right to defense in court. A defense attorney can aid you in your case by seeking out a plea agreement that could reduce the charges against you and reduce fines and incarceration-related penalties. Defense lawyers can also help argue your side of the story in the courtroom if you believe you engaged in a consensual sex act.
If you live in the greater Los Angeles area and are facing a rape charge, we urge you to contact us today. The team at Okabe and Haushalter includes some of the best rape defense attorneys in Pacific Palisades, and they can fight against the charges you are facing in court. Being accused of rape is serious, but our knowledgeable attorneys may be able to help you get your charges and sentences reduced in court. Call today for a free consultation and find out for yourself why our team is renowned for providing clients with courtroom excellence.
