Houston Rape Defense Lawyer

Charged with rape in the Houston area?

A charge of rape is dangerous with regard to potential penalties, as well as damaging your personal and professional reputation. The definition of rape is the act of intercourse without the consent of both parties. In Texas rape is legally referred to as sexual assault.

The act of intercourse is classified as statutory rape whenever it involves a minor. A minor is classified as someone who is under seventeen years old. In Texas a person under the age of seventeen is not old enough to consent to sex. Therefore, it is illegal for an adult to have sex with anyone under the age of seventeen, even if the minor agrees. The law does not require that the adult even know that the person is a minor as far as the statutory rape is concerned. In fact, even in cases where the minor lies about their age and tells an adult they are seventeen or older the adult is still considered guilty in Texas.

A spouse can allege marital rape even when one single act of intercourse was without consent.  Conflicts in the marriage or a resentful or bitter divorce can result in the accusation of alleged marital rape charges. When someone alleges they were forced to have sexual intercourse with a person they were dating without their consent this is considered date rape. In situations where the use of alcohol or drugs were present or some other form of impairment existed of any kind the individual can be viewed as unable to give consent for intercourse. Any charge of rape is considered very serious and the services of an expert criminal defense attorney are indispensable. If you have been charged with rape contact a Houston criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Criminal Defense Lawyer: Charges of Rape in the Houston Area

An individual's life can be utterly changed with the mere allegation of a sex crime. The consequences and stigma that result can devastate one's life, career and relationships. The victim's testimony is pivotal in a rape case, so it becomes a matter of their word against yours. As sexual intercourse is a private matter, there are rarely eyewitnesses or anyone to confirm or corroborate the recounting of the incident. The victim's testimony alone can be the basis for a conviction.

When facing something such as this, you need to be sure that you are receiving an aggressive defense that will go the distance in their efforts to protect you. If you are in a situation where you have been accused or charged with rape, it is vital that you retain an experienced and proven defense attorney who has a track record with defending sexual assault or rape cases.

Do not permit an accusation of rape to run havoc with your reputation and life; take action now to defend these charges. Immediate legal representation is needed if you have been charged with sexual assault or rape. At the Law Offices of Ned Barnett, my legal team is fully able to evaluate your case and provide you with the comprehensive legal advice that you deserve. I understand how long-lasting accusations of this nature can be and I will therefore do everything that I can to avoid a conviction.

Contact a Houston rape defense attorney from the Law Offices of Ned Barnett today.