Chris Rock, television and movie star, was accused by a former model of raping her, talking about her negatively on Howard Stern's radio show and having a criminal private investigator track her.
Rape, also referred to as sexual assault, is an assault by a person involving sexual intercourse with or sexual penetration of another person without that person's consent. Rape is generally considered a serious sex crime, as well as a civil assault. Statistically, only 2% of yearly rapes are perpetrated by strangers. Under California law rape is generally defined as sexual penetration without the consent of your partner. The victim does not have to physically resist, merely failing to consent constitutes the crime of rape. Further, if your partner is intoxicated to the point that they may not be able to affirmatively consent you may be charged with the crime of rape.
Rape is a "registerable sex offense," meaning that if you are charged with rape and found guilty, you may have to register as a sex offender for life! The effects of sex offender registration in California are extreme and long-lasting. A person's reputation and ability to get work or obtain certain professional licenses will be harmed. Additionally, the individual may not be able to live or work within a certain distance of schools or playgrounds, and their personal information may be accessible online for people in their neighborhood.Most sexual assault crimes are felonies. Lesser offenses are charged as a misdemeanor. Punishment for sexual assault crimes are charged with jail, community service, counseling, probation/parole, and lifetime sex offender registration. Multiple conviction of sexual assaults lead to increasingly greater punishment. The decision whether to charge a person with a misdemeanor or felony rests with the prosecutor. A criminal defense attorney if contacted early enough in the investigation may be able to minimize the charges that you face. A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to help out with these charges.
Our experienced California rape defense attorneys at the Law Office of Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates can assist you in proving your innocence. We understand that a false rape accusation is humiliating and damaging, so it is our duty to use our knowledge of California's sex crime laws to successfully resolve your case as quickly as possible. Contact us for a free initial consultation and we will assist you in defending you against these charges.
