Ridgefield Rape Lawyer
If you are currently facing rape allegations or are under investigation for such an offense, retaining a Ridgefield rape lawyer should be your top priority. The help of a defense attorney with experience handling cases like yours could be critical not only to contesting the criminal charges against you, but also to preserving your rights.
What Constitutes Rape?
The crime commonly known as rape is now referred to in Connecticut as sexual assault. Someone who forcibly compels an adult to engage in sexual intercourse may be charged with first degree sexual assault, a class B felony. If convicted, they could wind up facing a minimum prison term of 10 years up to a maximum of 20 years, with at least two years being ineligible for suspension or court reduction. A fine of up to $15,000 may also be ordered.
First-degree sexual assault of a minor is an even more serious class A felony, which means the maximum prison sentence is enhanced to 25 years, and either five years or 10 years of that sentence is ineligible for suspension or reduction depending on the age of the minor.
Sexual assault in the second through fourth degree are also serious crimes punished to lesser degrees. A Ridgefield rape attorney could clarify further during a private consultation how state law classifies these offenses and what sanctions could stem from each one.
What Are The Statutory Rape Penalties in Ridgefield?
Statutory rape is also referred to as a specific degree of sexual assault under Connecticut state law. Specifically, Connecticut General Statutes §53a-71 defines second-degree sexual as any instance of sexual intercourse involving a party who is under the age of consent or who otherwise materially cannot consent to sex—for example, because they are significantly intoxicated or impaired by an intellectual disability.
If an adult engages in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16, they may be charged with a class B felony offense punishable by between one and 20 years in prison—nine months of which may not be suspended or reduced—even if the intercourse was not compelled through force. In addition to rape allegations charged under C.G.S. §53a-70, a rape lawyer in Ridgefield could also help contest statutory rape accusations charged with C.G.S. §53a-71.
How Can a Rape Allegation Affect My Future?
Sex assault allegations are extremely serious and should be treated with diligence and zeal. In addition to news coverage, court dates, and invasive police investigations, you can also face protective orders removing you from your home and/or investigation by the department of children and families. To learn more about protective orders, click here. To learn more about DCF Defense click here. A skilled Ridgefield defense lawyer could help you every step of the way in every arena to protect your name and your future.
Speak with a Ridgefield Rape Attorney About Legal Options
A Ridgefield rape lawyer could provide the tenacious legal defense you need while facing accusations of this uniquely sensitive nature. If you’re not quite sure how a lawyer can help you, check out our certified client reviews at avvo.com. To schedule a confidential consultation, call today.