Weston Rape Lawyer
Known as sexual assault under Connecticut law, rape charges result from an alleged sexual encounter without the permission of one of the parties. A Weston rape attorney can work with people facing these serious charges to explain the law, analyze the prosecutor’s case, and to develop a defense that can work to protect a person’s freedom and reputation.
How is Rape and Sexual Assault Defined?
Rape is not defined in Connecticut. Instead, the common conception of sexual intercourse that occurs against the will other one participant describes sexual assault under state law. There are multiple statutes that define this offense and the potential penalties.
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-70 describes a sexual assault in the first degree as when a person compels another to engage in sexual intercourse through the use or threat of force. Alternatively, first degree sexual assault can describe sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 13 or sexual intercourse with a person who cannot consent because of incapacitation. Convictions here are class B felonies in most situations but become class A felonies if the alleged victim is a child.
By contrast, sexual assault in the second degree, according to Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-71, describe a sex crime that occurs because the alleged victim is physically helpless or when the suspect uses a position of power, such as a doctor or teacher, to gain control over the alleged victim. Here, the offense is usually a class C felony but will become a class B felony if the alleged victim is under the age of 16. If your alleged actions involve someone under the age of 16, the Department of Children and Families. To learn more about fighting DCF allegations, click here.
How Does Consent Factor into a Rape Allegation?
Facing allegations of rape can be a frightening and intimidating experience. Thankfully, a Weston rape lawyer has multiple potential strategies that could help to bring about a more beneficial outcome in court.
One key aspect of many sexual assault allegations is the concept of consent. By its nature, a rape charge alleges that a person participated in sexual intercourse without the consent of the other party. Evidence in the form of text messages, emails, or prior interactions may help to dispel the concept that a sexual encounter was not the product of two people’s wishes.
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A Weston Rape Attorney Stands Ready to Help
A Weston rape attorney could help to call these ideas into question with the goal of creating reasonable doubt. Check out our hundreds of certified 5-star reviews here at Avvo.com and schedule a consultation with an attorney today.