Fairfax Rape Lawyer

Sexual assault charges can leave you reeling. Not only can they impact your immediate freedoms and your future, but they can also lead to long-term consequences in your personal life. If you find yourself dealing with these serious criminal accusations, a Fairfax rape lawyer can help you build a defense and protect your rights as the case moves forward. Work with our experienced sex crimes attorney, Manuel Leiva, today.

The Difference Between Rape and Sexual Assault

While rape always involves penetration, sexual assault can involve nonconsensual intimate contact with genitals, breasts, or other intimate parts of the body without penetration. There are numerous sexual assault charges in Virginia other than rape. Below are some:

• Aggravated Sexual Battery
• Carnal Knowledge
• Indecent Liberties
• Object Sexual Penetration
• Sodomy

Whether you are being charged with rape or sexual assault, our Fairfax lawyer can help.

Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault and Rape

The penalties for sexual assault can vary significantly based on the charge and a number of factors, including:

• The severity of the offense, including injury to the victim
• Whether there are any aggravating factors, including repeat abuse or assault
• The ages of both parties (for example, if the victim is under 16 and the perpetrator is an adult, the minimum penalty may start at 30 years of imprisonment)

Rape charges, however, can mean heavy penalties for the defendant regardless of those factors. They may mean significant time in prison, heavy fines, and limitations on the defendant’s personal freedoms, including mandatory registration on the sex offenders registry.

In addition, rape charges can mean substantial personal consequences. Defendants may find it difficult to work in some fields and may even lose professional licenses. They may also have a hard time living in certain areas. A rape conviction can mean challenges with child custody and loss of personal freedoms. This is why it is vital to work with a lawyer who understands the consequences faced by individuals accused of rape in Fairfax.

Defending Against Rape Charges

Working with a Fairfax lawyer can prove essential in defending against rape charges. A lawyer can help choose the correct defense for specific circumstances. Often, defenses in rape cases revolve around consent: if the victim consented, even if they later regretted those actions, a crime did not occur. A lawyer can also determine whether a defense may include:

• Lack of evidence
• Motive to fabricate
• An alibi showing the defendant could not have committed those actions
• False reporting, including cases in which the supposed victim has a contentious relationship with the accused or has something to gain from their conviction

A lawyer can also ensure that law enforcement personnel follow the law when investigating the case, including their handling of evidence.

Reach Out to a Fairfax Rape Attorney as Soon as Possible

Rape charges can carry serious consequences in addition to the stigma placed on someone accused of rape. If you have been accused of rape, do not wait it out or try to deal with law enforcement on your own. Contact a Fairfax rape lawyer as soon as possible to get the support you need to navigate those charges. At The Leiva Law Firm, we have extensive experience in the courtroom, including trial experience that we bring to every case. Trial experience matters—and we are here to help you defend yourself. Reach out today for a consultation.