Experienced Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer Explains Rape Law In Virginia
Rape is a serious criminal offense in Virginia. It is a felony that carries significant penalties and can have life-altering consequences for those convicted. If you have been accused of rape in Virginia, it is essential to understand the laws surrounding this offense and the potential consequences you may face.
What is Rape in Virginia?
In Virginia, rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse with another person. The key element of the offense is lack of consent, which means that the act was committed against the victim's will or without their knowledge. The Virginia Code section 18.2-61 defines the offense and outlines the penalties for those convicted.
The elements are:
- A person must have sexual intercourse with another
- The act must be accomplished against the complainant's will (without consent)
- By force (such as holding someone down)
- By threat
- By Intimidation (such as holding them at gun point)
Rape can also be charged if sexual intercourse was accomplished through the complainants:
- Mental Incapacity
- Physical Helplessness (such as being unconscious due to intoxication)
Rape can be charged if the sexual intercourse took place with:
- A child under the age of 13 years (children under 13 are legally unable to consent)
Penalties for Rape in Virginia
The penalties for rape in Virginia can range from a minimum of five years in prison to life imprisonment, with a maximum sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the Virginia Sentencing Guidelines, a first-time offender with no criminal record is sentenced to around 10 years in prison. This is not a guarantee. Without a good Sex Crimes Defense Attorney presenting mitigating evidence, every rape case carries the possibility of life imprisonment.
The consequences of a rape conviction can also include being listed on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. This registry includes the names and information of individuals convicted of sex offenses, including rape. The offender may also be required to undergo sex offender treatment programs, which can be lengthy and expensive.
Defenses to Rape in Virginia
Being accused of rape is a serious matter, but there are defenses available to those who have been charged.
Consent:
One of the most common defenses to rape is the argument that the sex was consensual. If the accused can show that the victim agreed to the sexual encounter, then the charges may be dropped or reduced. However, it is important to note that Virginia law requires that both parties must be capable of giving consent. Therefore, if the victim was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they may not have been able to give their consent, even if they appeared to be willing.
False allegation:
The Commonwealth is required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements stated above. Just because someone is accused of rape, doesn't mean it happened. Rape often is corroborated through physical evidence such as injuries or DNA or a witness. This evidence is not required, however. A jury can choose to believe the word of one person over another.
Mental Incapacity Lacking:
Just because someone has a mental illness doesn't mean every sexual act with them is rape. The government must show the complainant didn't understand thenature or consequences of sex. They must also show the accused knew or should have known about the illness.
Complainant wasn't physical helpless:
Being drunk alone is not enough. The complainant must be physically unable to communicate an unwillingness to act. Drunk people can have sex without being charged with rape. The government has to show something beyond that.
Identity:
In cases with delayed reporting, such as an adult who reports being raped as a child, identity becomes an issue. Memory becomes fuzzy throughout the years and physical evidence disappears. There have been cases where someone remembered the wrong person.
Defenses that are not permissible in Virginia:
Age:
It doesn't matter if someone thought the complainant was old enough for sexual intercourse.
Mistaken Consent:
It doesn't matter if someone believes the other party consented to sex. The test is whether the complainant actually consented. This can make rape cases very complicated given the facts. But often, the evidence used to prove someone consented addresses this. On the contrary, you cannot retroactively revoke consent. If someone wakes up and regrets sex the next morning, that isn't a viable rape charge for the Commonwealth. What matters is if they consented at the time the intercourse was occurring.
It is important to note that each rape case is unique, and the defenses available may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. It is crucial to have an experienced Sex Crimes defense attorney who can help you understand your options and provide effective representation.
Conclusion
Rape is a serious crime in Virginia that carries significant penalties and long-lasting consequences. If you have been accused of rape, it is essential to understand the law and your rights. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges against you, the potential penalties you face, and the available defenses to the charge. With the right representation, you can fight the charges and protect your rights and freedom.