Rape is one of the most serious sex crimes an individual can be accused of. This form of sexual abuse is seen as an extremely harmful and vicious act that can leave a victim permanently scarred, and individuals who are accused of this crime will face serious penalties for their actions. Rape allegations should never be taken lightly; people who sexually abuse innocent victims must be brought to justice, and falsely accused individuals should be aware of the situation they have found themselves in.
Rape accusations are extremely serious. This type of accusation has the power to completely derail your life. Job opportunities, education funding, and personal friendships and relationships all go out the window once the people around you discover you have been accused of this sort of heinous act. And in the direst cases, a false allegation can lead to you being convicted of a crime and sent to prison for years to come.
Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX
Have you been accused of rape and you’re unsure of what to do next? You’re most likely aware of the potential ramifications of being convicted of this crime, and if you’ve been charged or accused, you’re probably seeking some sort of legal guidance on what to do next. If this sounds like you, then our team of professionals is here to help you through this tough situation, call us at (940) 222-8004
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy specialize in criminal defense. We understand that not all charges and accusations have to result in convictions, and we’re prepared to take your case to a court of law if need be. Led by criminal defense lawyer Richard C. McConathy, our team of professionals has what it takes to provide you with elite legal counsel that will inform you while positively impacting your case.
Definition of Rape
While the word “rape” is not used in the Texas Penal Code, there are numerous sexual assault statutes that paint a picture of what is considered rape in the state of Texas. According to section 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code, rape can involve one or more of the following factors: intercourse and/or penetration without consent, forcible or violent intercourse, sexual abuse of a disabled or handicapped individual, sexual abuse of a minor, or coercive sexual acts.
There are numerous sexual assault crimes an individual can be charged with, and in some cases, they can be charged with numerous crimes simultaneously. There are many factors at play, such as the use of deadly force, drugs, the age of the victim, and whether or not someone was injured or killed during the act.
Texas Requirements for Registered Sex Offenders
One of the most common collateral consequences of sex crimes in Texas is being added to the state’s sex offender registry. If an individual is convicted of a serious crime such as aggravated sexual assault or rape, they could wind up on the registry for the rest of their life.
In the state of Texas, registered sex offenders are required to provide their name, address, photograph, and convicted offense to law enforcement. They are then added to a database where their photograph and information is displayed alongside other sex offenders in the state. If an offender changes their name or address for whatever reason, they must alert authorities or risk felony prosecution.
Being added to this database can ruin your life. In most states, this information is made available to the public free of charge. In addition to this, law enforcement may notify residents if they move into certain neighborhoods. It is not uncommon for residents to get a letter in the mail alerting them that a registered sex offender is moving into a home that is mere steps away from theirs.
Rape accusations and charges can and will derail your life if they are left untreated. Individuals who are accused or charged with this crime can find themselves facing years in prison in addition to a ruined life. Jobs, scholarships, child custody, and governmental aid (WIC, food stamps, Section 8 housing, etc.) can all be lost in the blink of an eye if you are convicted of this heinous crime. For these reasons and more, it is important for you to hire a criminal defense attorney if you find yourself in this situation.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy understand the gravity of a rape charge or accusation, and we want to be there for Texas citizens who are trying to fight for their freedoms. We realize that not every accusation has to result in a conviction, and there are many individuals who are falsely accused of committing crimes they did not commit. If you feel like combating your charges and doing what it takes to clear your name, our team is ready to help.
Resources for Rape in Denton County
Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center – This link takes you to the official website of the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, also known as the DARCC. Here, you can find more information on rape statistics, the definition of rape, testimonials of sexual abuse survivors, frequently asked questions and other helpful resources. You can also learn more about their missions and initiatives, as well as how you may be able to help them combat this terrible aspect of society.
Texas Sex Offender Registration Program – This link takes you to the official website of the Texas Department of Public Safety, where you can learn about the sex offender registration program in the state of Texas. Here, you can learn about how a sex offender goes about registering when you will be notified of a sex offender moving into close proximity to your home, and more information about the penalties offenders may face if they fail to properly add themselves to the registry.
Section 22 of the Texas Penal Code – This link takes you to Chapter 22 of the Texas Penal Code. Here, you can learn more about the many sex crimes individuals can be convicted of in the state of Texas, such as aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, and much more.
Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Rape Charges | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Rape accusations can impact your life. They can change the way you are seen by the general public, and they can potentially ruin your chances of ever having a full life. Countless individuals have lost everything that is important to them, all due to being convicted of rape. If you are someone who is trying to fight charges and present a legal defense to a judge and jury, our legal team is here to help you with your violent crime charges.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy specialize in criminal defense, and we know what it takes to provide Texans with quality legal representation. Led by elite Denton County defense lawyer Richard C. McConathy, our law firm has a proven track record of helping our clients dismiss or reduce their charges. And with years of experience working within Texas courts located in cities such as Plano, McKinney, Denton, and Dallas, we have relevant experience that will translate to your criminal case. For more information on how we can assist you with your charges, don’t hesitate to contact us at (940) 222-8004 to schedule a free consultation with our team.