Rape & Statutory Rape
For most men, being charged with rape is among the most devastating allegations they could ever face. The social and legal consequences can last a lifetime. And the public too often jumps to conclusions about a defendant's guilt or innocence long before a prosecutor is forced to prove such serious allegations in a court of law.
Denver Rape Defense Attorney Andres R. Guevara is a former prosecutor who knows what it takes to build, prove and defend such cases. If you are facing a rape charge in Colorado, we urge you not to speak to investigators for any reason. Please contact an experienced defense attorney right away.
Rape alleges that you forced yourself on another person. Force is not required for statutory rape, which can be filed in cases of consensual sex with a minor when the state deems the age difference too great between consenting parties.
Defense of Rape & Statutory Rape Charges in Denver
Charges filed in a Colorado rape case can include:
- Sexual Assault: Can be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 18 months in jail or a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
- Unlawful Sexual Contact: Misdemeanor or felony.
In Colorado, the age of consent is 17. Cases involving consensual sex with a person under the age of consent can result in criminal charges.
- Even when a victim is 15 or 16 years of age, a defendant who is 10 or more years older may face a sexual assault charge. Such a charge is a first-degree misdemeanor, which can result in up to 18 months behind bars.
- Charges of sexual assault on a child may be filed if a victim is less than 15 years of age and a defendant is four or more years older.
The state's statutory rape laws can have a devastating impact on a young man, just starting out in life. Being labeled a convicted sex offender - being forced to register as a sex offender - can follow a young defendant for the rest of his life.
Denver Rape Defense Lawyers: Colorado Defenses
These charges can be filed for many reasons and under many different scenarios. Divorce or emotional breakups are often involved. Sometimes drugs are alcohol are involved and/or a remorseful partner makes unfair allegations. And statutory rape charges can result when the government interferes with the consensual affairs of a young couple.
In each instance, an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney should be consulted at the earliest possible stage of such cases. In no case should a defendant speak to law enforcement.
Physical evidence is rarely useful in such cases. Often the defendant lives in the home or was sexually involved with the alleged victim, rendering such evidence meaningless. More often than not, such cases rely upon the word of the alleged victim against the word of the defendant. Simply remaining silent may leave the state without enough evidence to pursue charges, or with a case that will not stand up in court.
Unfortunately, a defendant's first instinct is to defend himself. Investigators know and understand this and will use it in an attempt to get a suspect to talk. Do yourself a favor and do your talking to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The state can charge you with whatever it wants; whether you are convicted is what counts.
At the Law Office of Andres R. Guevara, you will find a Denver criminal defense attorney dedicated to fighting for your rights at each stage of your case. We represent clients facing sex charges in Denver and the surrounding areas, including Aurora, Boulder and Englewood. Each member of our team is committed to keeping you informed and involved in your defense and to fighting for the best outcome possible in your case. For a free and confidential consultation, call 888-265-0044 or contact us through this website.
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