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    Date Rape Charges in Pennsylvania

    Information About Being Charged with Date Rape in PA

    When you or your loved one are accused of rape there are feelings of helplessness, frustration and concern for what the future holds. You probably have many questions about how to proceed and what the court process will be like.

    Your freedom, your reputation, and even your basic rights are in jeopardy when it comes to rape allegations.

    Pennsylvania has very tough sentencing and penalties for people who are found guilty of rape. Beyond sentencing, once released from prison, you will be considered a sex offender and will be required to register with your local police department on a regular basis, sometimes for the rest of your life.

    This says nothing of what being a sex offender does to your reputation in your community or how it will affect your ability to find a job or continue with your education.

    Just because you have been charged with date rape or statutory rape does not mean you are guilty.

    It is crucial to have an experienced and aggressive Pennsylvania Sex Crime Attorney on your side.

    If you have been accused of date rape or statutory rape, call David J. Shrager for a free consultation – he is here to help you understand your rights and aggressively defend them.

    You can text or call Attorney Shrager directly at 412-969-2540 (his personal cell phone) at anytime.

    WHAT IS DATE RAPE?

    There is no specific statute in Pennsylvania for date rape. Generally, a date rape is an act of rape in which the victim has a casual or pre-existing relationship, such as dating, with the offender.

    Date rape is also a term used to refer to a sexual assault that takes place after a victim has been drugged or intoxicated by her known assailant. The actual act of rape itself can fall under different categories, each carrying different penalties, depending on the specifics of the crime committed.

    Based on the facts of the criminal conduct, you could be charged with one of three different offenses:

    1. Indecent Assault
      • when a person has indecent contact with the complainant, causes the complainant to have indecent contact with the person or intentionally causes the complainant to come into contact with seminal fluid, urine or feces for the purpose of arousing sexual desire in the person or the complainant without consent
    2. Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI)
      • when a person engages in penetration, however slight, of the genitals or anus of a complainant with a part of the person’s body for any purpose other than good faith medical, hygienic or law enforcement procedures
    3. Rape
      • When a person has sexual intercourse with the complainant forcibly or without their consent.

    Penalties for Date Rape Offenses in Pennsylvania

    If you are charged with Indecent Assault, the penalties include:

    • A misdemeanor in the second degree;
    • A maximum sentence of up to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

    If you are charged with Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, the penalties include:

    • A felony of the first degree;
    • Sentencing of up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

    If you are charged with Rape, the penalties include:

    • A felony of the first degree;
    • A maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

    For any of these charges, if it is proven that you also used drugs to render the victim unconscious or incapacitated, you could receive an additional ten years in prison.

    Why an Aggressive Pennsylvania Sex Crimes Attorney is Crucial

    Attorney Shrager is a very compassionate criminal attorney and understands that these types of circumstances can be very personal and difficult to discuss, especially if the accuser was an acquaintance, spouse or loved one.

    If you want to protect your rights and your future, speaking with an experienced counsel who can aggressively defend your rights and fight for the charges to be dropped is a crucial first step.

    Shrager Defense Attorneys will fully investigate your case from text messages to phone calls and key statement from witnesses. We will aggressively search for contradictions in the complainant’s case and for any other witnesses who may aid in providing information for your defense.

    If you have been charged with, or think you may be charged with, any of the following sexual offenses, call Attorney Shrager immediately for a free consultation:

    Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by our legal team so they can fight for your rights.