Rape: an all too common sex crime
Central Florida residents know that sex crimes are sensitive topics often involving allegations of lewd conduct by one person toward another. Some of the most common forms of sex crimes are possession of child pornography, sexual assault, online solicitation, prostitution and rape. Each of these offenses comes with unique sentences that can lead to stiff fines and penalties. When a person is charged with a sex crime, it is important for that person to fully understand the nature of the charge. By doing so, the accused will be able to learn how to defend him or herself against the charge.
Rape is one of the most common types of sex crimes. The term rape is defined as unlawful sexual intercourse by one person to another. Perpetrators of rape often force their victims physically in order to commit the sexual act. A person can also be accused of rape if the sexual intercourse occurred when the other party had no physical or mental ability to consent to the act, which mostly happens when the victim is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There are different types of rape. One is statutory rape, defined as sexual intercourse with a minor. Such offenses can fall under a misdemeanor or felony category, depending on the age gap between the accused person and the victim.
A person accused of rape has to establish or craft a defense in order to avoid conviction. One way to defend a rape case is by proving in court that both parties consent to the sexual intercourse. This is only applicable when both parties involved are adults. The accused person may also state that he or she did not commit the act – the simplest form of defense. In any type of defense, legal advice is necessary.
Source: Findlaw.com, “Rape,” accessed on Aug. 14, 2014
Source: Findlaw.com, “Rape,” accessed on Aug. 14, 2014
