A person who is charged with and convicted of any sex crime in California is going to face lifelong consequences. This is true particularly of rape charges. Keep reading to learn about the potential consequences of this charge, then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
There are a Number of Rape Charges You Could Face
The first thing to know is that there are several different rape laws in California. The consequences of conviction will vary between them. For example, a person could be charged with spousal rape, date rape, or statutory rape, all of which have their own potential penalties. However, Section 261 of the criminal code classifies rape as a felony and lists the potential punishments. Not all will be applied in every case.
Potential Prison Sentences for a Rape Conviction
A person convicted of rape in California can face a prison sentence of three, six, or eight years. The term a person’s sentence will depend on any aggravating and/or mitigation factors. While these three prison terms are the basic options, some sentencing enhancements exist. For example, if a person is found guilty of committing great bodily injury during the attack, then they could face an additional three to five years on their sentence.
If the alleged victim was a minor under the legal age of 18, then the conviction could lead to seven, nine, or eleven years. If the minor is under the age of 14, then the guilty party can face nine, eleven, or thirteen years in state prison. Other sentencing enhancements include the use of a gun.
You Will Be Required to Register as a Sex Offender
It is almost 100% certain that if you are convicted of the crime of rape, you will be required to register as a sex offender. This can limit where you are allowed to live, what job you can get, and who you are allowed to be around. If you do not comply with the requirements of the sex offender registry, then you could end up back in prison.
Do Not Face These Charges on Your Own: Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
If you are facing rape charges, it is important that you talk to an attorney who is experienced in this particular type of crime. Your future is at stake and you must take that seriously. At Chambers Law Firm we are on your side and ready to listen to your side of the story. We are compassionate, non-judgmental, and believe that every person accused of a crime deserves to have an attorney on their side. Call us now at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
