If you have been accused of rape, you should exercise your right to remain silent and consider talking to a rape defense lawyer in Philadelphia that handles these cases as soon as possible. This is true if the police want to question you, you face charges, or you were recently arrested.
Having a criminal defense lawyer on your side can help you protect your rights and understand your legal options. Rape is a serious accusation, and you want someone on your side who will fight for your freedom and your future.
What Consequences Could You Face If Convicted of Rape in Pennsylvania?
Rape in Pennsylvania is charged as a first-degree felony, which is one of the most serious crimes. A conviction could mean 20 years in prison, significant fines, and other serious, life-altering consequences.
Pennsylvania law defines rape as any time someone:
- Uses force or threats to force sexual intercourse on another person
- Has sexual intercourse with someone who is unconscious or otherwise unaware of the assault
- Gives someone else drugs or other intoxicants without their knowledge and has sexual intercourse with them
- Has sexual intercourse with someone incapable of consent, including those with physical or mental disabilities
Other charges may apply for those who have sexual intercourse with teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 and children aged 13 and under.
For a free legal consultation, call 215.515.3360
What Should You Do If You Are Arrested for Rape in Philadelphia?
If you are arrested based on a rape accusation in Philadelphia, you can expect to be in jail 12 to 48 hours before you go before a judge. You have a right to contact an attorney during this time. Alternatively, your loved one can hire a lawyer on your behalf.
During this time, you should not discuss what happened or your side of the story with the police without an attorney present. You should not speak about the case at all, even to proclaim your innocence. You want to politely decline until you have spoken to a lawyer.
Allow Your Lawyer to Communicate With All Parties If You Face Criminal Charges
In almost any criminal case, getting started with a lawyer right away can benefit you. This could be before your arrest or immediately afterward. You should avoid talking to police officers, detectives, or prosecutors without your lawyer present. There is too great of a risk of:
- Your rights being violated
- Your statements being taken out of context
- Accidentally saying something that is not correct and it hurts your case later
When you talk to police officers, they are looking for evidence to support the accusations against you. They will share what they learn with prosecutors, and your own statements could support the case against you. A criminal defense attorney can ensure your rights remain protected and your words are not used against you.
If the police ask you to come in for questioning or arrest you and want to interrogate you, politely decline and ask to contact a lawyer. You have this right, and it will not negatively affect the case against you.
Should You Be Concerned If You Are Not Guilty But Face Accusations?
Some people dismiss accusations of rape because they know they are innocent and believe the accusation will not move forward. However, we often have clients who face legal trouble because of false accusations. Someone might accuse you of rape because of an argument, spite, to get even, or even a misunderstanding.
Even if there is not enough evidence to support a conviction, facing accusations or rape charges can cause major problems in your daily life. If you are arrested and charged, it may affect you financially, emotionally, and socially. You could spend time in jail, lose your job, miss school, and more. Friends and family might believe the accuser.
You may be able to mitigate the harm that occurs by contacting a criminal defense law firm as soon as possible after you learn about the accusations. A lawyer might be able to help you reduce or eliminate the lasting effects of these accusations.
What Is the Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney in a Rape Case?
When you hire a criminal defense attorney to handle Philadelphia rape allegations, they will learn as much about the circumstances as possible. This allows them to develop a strong defense on your behalf. You should share the details you can with them to help them determine the best approach. Be honest with your lawyer. The attorney-client privilege applies, and they cannot share what you tell them.
The lawyer’s goal is to get a fair outcome in your case. This will depend greatly on the facts of the situation and what evidence is available against you. Some examples include:
- Stopping charges before they are filed
- Getting the charges dropped
- Negotiating a reduction in charges
- Negotiating for a lesser sentence
- Taking the case to court and winning an acquittal
Your criminal defense lawyer will be by your side during all court appearances and any time you are questioned about the case. They will provide advice, guidance, and support throughout the criminal justice process. The law firm will also ensure your rights remain protected during interactions with the police, prosecutors, and others.
Rape is one of the most serious charges one can face. You do not need to face it alone. You can contact a defense law firm to ensure you have someone on your side fighting for you.
Talk to a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Law Firm About Your Rape Case
At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, we offer a free consultation for those facing rape allegations. Call us as soon as you learn about the police investigation or after your arrest. We can help you understand your rights, offer legal advice, explain your options, and build a strong defense on your behalf.
Contact us today to get started.
