Newport News Rape Defense Lawyer

Have You Been Accused of Rape in Virginia?

Rape is a sex crime that is universally condemned. It is a serious felony charge that carries with it long-term consequences such as difficulty finding housing and employment, and a permanent Virginia Sex Offender Registry listing. If you are convicted of rape, you will have to live with the stigma of this charge for the rest of your life. You will have to endure the social isolation that comes with being a convicted sex offender. A conviction can also mean having to register as a sex offender, which can make it difficult to find a place to live or even a job to support yourself.

At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we can provide the skilled defense you need to fight your rape charges. Our Newport News rape defense attorney has handled hundreds of cases, and we are ready to use our extensive experience to help you. We can help you explore all possible defenses and fight to get your charges reduced or dropped. We will work tirelessly to try to get your charges dismissed or your conviction overturned if you were wrongfully charged.

Schedule your initial consultation with our Newport News rape lawyer by calling (757) 663-4477 or filling out our online form.

What Is Considered Rape in Virginia?

Rape is a very serious charge in Virginia. It is considered a Class-2 felony, which is the most serious felony charge. A conviction can carry a prison sentence of up to life in prison. It can also carry a $100,000 fine. If you are convicted, you will have to live with the stigma of being a convicted sex offender for the rest of your life.

There are several different types of rape charges in Virginia. The most serious is forcible rape, which carries the most severe penalties. The least serious is statutory rape, which is a charge that can be brought against an adult who has sex with a minor. The following are the most common types of rape charges:

• Forcible rape. This is the most serious type of rape charge. It is a Class-2 felony. If a weapon is used during the commission of the rape, it is a Class-1 felony. If no weapon is used but serious bodily injury occurs during the rape, it is a Class-3 felony.
• Statutory rape. This is a charge that can be brought against an adult who has sex with a minor. It is considered a Class-1 misdemeanor, which means that it carries the least serious penalties.
• Date rape. This is a charge that is brought against a defendant who had consensual sex with a minor and is then accused of rape.

What Are the Penalties for Rape in Virginia?

The penalties for rape can be severe. You can face a prison sentence of up to life in prison. You can also face a $100,000 fine. A conviction can also mean that you will have to live with the stigma of being a convicted sex offender. You will have to endure social isolation and the difficulties that come with trying to find housing and employment.

If you are convicted of forcible rape, you can be sentenced to life in prison. If a weapon was used during the commission of the rape, you can be sentenced to 20 years in prison. If a weapon was not used but serious bodily injury occurred, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison. If no weapon was used but minor bodily injury occurred, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison.

If you are convicted of statutory rape, you can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison. If a weapon was used during the commission of the rape, you can be sentenced to 20 years in prison. If a weapon was not used but serious bodily injury occurred, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison. If no weapon was used but minor bodily injury occurred, you can be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years in prison. 

What Are the Penalties for Statutory Rape in Virginia?

In Virginia, an adult who has sex with a minor is guilty of statutory rape. This is a Class-1 misdemeanor. A conviction can carry a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are convicted, you will have to live with the stigma of being a convicted sex offender.

How Does Rape Law in Virginia Define Rape?

In Virginia, there are two types of rape charges: forcible rape and statutory rape. Forcible rape is the most serious and carries the most severe penalties. It is a Class-2 felony. If a weapon was used during the commission of the rape, it is a Class-1 felony. If no weapon is used but serious bodily injury occurred during the rape, it is a Class-3 felony.