Orange County Rape Lawyer

On Your Side from the Beginning of Your Case to its Conclusion

In California, rape is a felony offense, which means a conviction could result in several years behind bars. If you've been accused of committing this crime, secure aggressive legal defense as soon as possible. The criminal penalties aren't the only punishments you could face; there are also various collateral consequences. For instance, after you have served your time, you may have difficulties getting a job, finding housing, or even qualifying for government benefits, making it challenging to readjust to society. Additionally, some rape convictions result in a sex offender registration requirement, which can ruin your reputation and severely limit where you can live and work.

Know that if you've been accused of rape, you don't have to face the criminal justice process alone. At The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman, Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to provide the aggressive defense you need to fight charges. Backed by extensive legal experience, she knows what it takes to develop an effective defense strategy and identify weaknesses in the prosecutor's case. She will leverage her knowledge, skills, and resources to work toward a favorable outcome on your behalf.

When you're facing serious charges, you need serious defense. For a free consultation, call The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman at (714) 879-5770.

How Is Rape Defined in California?

If two people engage in sexual conduct, and one does not "freely and voluntarily" give their consent for the act, under California law, the other individual could be considered to have committed rape.

Specifically, California Penal Code 261 PC, defines rape as sexual intercourse with someone other than a person's spouse in which:

• The alleged victim could not give consent (because of a mental disorder or developmental disability)
• The alleged perpetrator used force, violence, duress, or threatened to cause serious bodily injury
• The alleged victim was intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
• The alleged victim was unconscious to the act
• The alleged perpetrator used false pretenses to further the act
• The alleged perpetrator threatened retaliation against the alleged victim or another person
• The alleged perpetrator threatened incarceration, arrest, or deportation

How Is Rape Penalized?

In California, allegations of rape are taken very seriously, and the prosecutor will work hard to land a conviction. If they prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offense, that individual could face serious consequences.

The penalties for a rape conviction include:

• 3, 6, or 8 years in prison
• 7, 9, or 11 years in prison if the alleged victim was 14 years of age or older
• 9, 11, or 13 years in prison if the alleged victim was under 14 years of age

Challenging the Accusations Made Against You

If you've been accused of rape in Orange County, Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is ready to take the time to listen to your side of the story. Upon learning the facts of the case, she will begin developing a legal strategy tailored for your unique circumstances.

When you need personalized legal representation, turn to The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman. Call (714) 879-5770 or fill out an online contact form today.