Los Angeles Rape Defense Attorney
Few criminal accusations are as devastating to a client as being arrested or investigated for a sexual offense. An arrest can occur without corroborating or forensic evidence or even where reasonable doubt of the claimant’s motives exists. The impact on the client may be life-changing as family, friends and co-workers assume the worst about a person.Rape: Penal Code Section 261
Penal Code Section 261 defines Forcible Rape as sexual intercourse with an alleged victim without consent. Even if no physical force is used, rape charges may be pursued by the prosecution where the victim is intoxicated or physically or mentally disabled to provide lawful consent. Other criminal charges also may be prosecuted alleging forcible sex acts, including violations of Penal Code Section 288 and 289 such as sodomy, rape using a foreign object, or forced oral copulation. Date Rape, or Rape using alcohol or GHB, or other substances, may also be prosecuted as violations of Penal Code Section 261 by the District Attorney’s Office.The consequences of conviction for such a crime include 3-8 years in prison per count of Rape, probation, sex offender registration for life, and substantial fines.
Rape sentencing may be enhanced if the defendant used a weapon in the commission of the crime, caused great bodily injury, or has a prior conviction on his or her record. Rape is considered a violent offense under the Penal Code, and will is a “strike” offence. If you or your loved one is facing Forcible Rape charges, and have a prior strike conviction, it is crucial that you obtain experienced legal counsel.
Aggressive Defense of All Rape Charges
We begin our defense before charges are even brought to court by immediately intervening with police and prosecutors on your behalf. We employ a private investigator who will respond immediately to interview witnesses. We have had numerous cases with sex crime accusations dropped before even going to court! It is important to act swiftly to a rape accusation, before witness memories fade or crucial physical evidence is destroyed.In the court room we have defended numerous cases where charges were dropped because prosecutors lacked proof or an alleged victim made false claims of rape because of embarrassment, or even to get back at the accused for some perceived wrong.
The consequences of a sex crime conviction are life-changing. To avoid the stigma of a strike conviction and sex offender registration we strive to provide an aggressive courtroom defense to reach our goals of having all charges dropped or securing an attractive case settlement.
If you have been charged with a sexual criminal offense, call the criminal defense attorneys at Kestenbaum, Eisner & Gorin, LLP, at (877) 781-1570. Our knowledgeable legal team can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal options before you go to court.
For our client’s convenience, our main office is located across the street from the Van Nuys Courthouse and Jail. We have additional San Fernando Valley law offices located in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita.
Contact the law firm today and receive an immediate response to your inquiry!
