Rape is an extremely serious sex crime that involves any kind of nonconsensual sexual penetration, such as intercourse. Rape crimes committed by adults tend to incur harsher penalties than those committed by juveniles. In Tampa, an adult rape conviction can result in several years of imprisonment, fines, and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Moreover, the mere allegation of committing rape can ruin the accused person’s reputation for life.
If you or someone you know has been accused or charged with rape, seek legal counsel immediately with an experienced Tampa rape attorney. Our firm works diligently to protect the rights of those facing rape charges and fights aggressively to reduce or completely eliminate potential criminal and civil penalties. Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation so we can discuss the best possible defense strategy for your case.
What Constitutes Rape in Tampa, FL?Rape can involve a wide range of nonconsensual sexual acts against both adults and minors. The younger the victim, the more serious the penalties those convicted of rape can face. Oftentimes, rape is accompanied by physical violence. What not many people know is that rape is not limited to sexual intercourse in a traditional sense. The offense can involve any type of oral, vaginal, or anal penetration.
Some common types of rape crimes include:
Rape can also involve the following:
Penalties for rape crimes committed by adults in Tampa are extremely severe. Depending on the age of the victim and whether any physical violence or the use of a deadly weapon, penalties can range from:
If the victim was between the ages of 12 and 18, the convicted offender may face life in prison. If the victim was under the age of 12, the convicted offender will be charged with a capital felony offense and will incur a mandatory sentence of life in prison, without the possibility of parole.
Contact an Experienced Tampa Rape Attorney Now for a Free ConsultationIn order to convict an adult of a rape crime, the prosecution must prove that the sexual act was nonconsensual. Oftentimes, individuals make false accusations of rape out of spite, jealousy, as a form of revenge, or an array of other reasons. Other times, the accusing party may have actually provided consent but denies having done so. For allegations of statutory rape, the alleged offender may have been under the impression that the other party was of age.
Our Tampa rape attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your allegations, look into every piece of evidence to determine if you were falsely accused, and speak to police officers, witnesses, and medical examiners to provide the best possible legal defense for your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and rights. Our criminal defense team offers FREE case reviews, so call us today at 866-608-5529 or reach out to us online to learn what our attorneys can do for you.