Oklahoma Date Rape and Spousal Rape Defense Attorneys
Under Oklahoma law, a social engagement, a romantic relationship, or even a marriage does not provide implicit consent to sexual intercourse. If you are accused of date rape or spousal rape, protect your rights immediately by contacting an Oklahoma rape defense attorney. Date rape and marital rape are generally charged as first degree rape in Oklahoma, and therefore, the consequences of conviction can be staggering. A first degree rape conviction carries a minimum of five years in prison, with a maximum life sentence possible. An Oklahoma rape lawyer can help you build a strong case for your defense.
Criminal charges for Date Rape:
Date rape is the forced or coerced act of sexual intercourse during a date or other social engagement. Although the victim may have agreed to the date, and may even have agreed to some sexual contact, sexual intercourse is considered first degree rape if he or she did not consent and the act was forced upon the victim through an intoxicant or through the threat of violence. Date rape is not a legal term, but rather a term to describe the circumstances of a rape. Simply because the victim and the attacker knew each other, or because the victim was willingly with his or her assailant, does not mitigate the severity of the first degree rape charge.
Criminal charges may still apply in situations of consensual sex on a date if the victim was under the age of 16 at the time of the sexual encounter. Oklahoma statutory rape charges may be filed against anyone who has sex with someone who is not legally able to give consent. The legal age of consent in Oklahoma is 16.
Oklahoma spousal rape, or marital rape, occurs when sexual intercourse with ones spouse is accomplished by force and without the consent of the victim. In order to prove spousal rape, the prosecution must show evidence of the use of force. Under Oklahomas marital rape laws, coercion or the use of intoxicating substances to accomplish sexual intercourse is not considered rape in marriage.
Date Rape and Spousal Rape Defense Strategies
There are a number of possible defenses against date rape and spousal rape charges, including consent, false accusations, and lack of evidence. The sex crime defense team at Slane &Phillips has successfully defended hundreds of cases. Contact the firm to speak with an Oklahoma rape defense attorney for a free consultation and to outline defense options for your case.
