Rape Defense Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA
Being accused of rape in Pennsylvania can put your future at risk almost immediately. A conviction may lead to years in prison and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Even before a case reaches court, an investigation or arrest can affect your job, your reputation, and your personal relationships.
At Crouthamel Law Offices, attorney Alexandria “Ally” Crouthamel represents clients in Bethlehem and throughout East Central Pennsylvania against serious sex crime allegations. Prosecutors often begin building a case long before trial, which is why you need to involve a defense lawyer as early as possible.
What Is Considered Rape Under Pennsylvania Law?
Under 18 Pa. C.S. § 3121, Pennsylvania defines rape as sexual intercourse that occurs through forcible compulsion or through a threat that prevents resistance. The statute also applies when sexual intercourse involves an unconscious person, a person unaware that the act is taking place, a person whose intoxication was caused without their knowledge, or a person incapable of consent because of a mental disability.
Pennsylvania law also recognizes separate offenses involving children under 13 years old. The statute defines rape of a child as sexual intercourse with a complainant younger than 13. It also establishes a separate offense when a child under 13 suffers serious bodily injury during the alleged offense. Under Pennsylvania law, rape is charged as a first-degree felony and can result in lengthy prison sentences along with mandatory sex offender registration after conviction.
Defending Against Rape Allegations
Rape allegations are often complex from the very beginning. In many cases, there are only two accounts of what happened, and investigators begin building a case before all of the facts are fully examined. Text messages, social media activity, phone records, medical evidence, and witness statements can all become part of the investigation.
At Crouthamel Law Offices, attorney Crouthamel examines whether the evidence actually supports the allegations being made. Depending on the circumstances, the defense process may involve reviewing:
- Communications between the parties
- Statements given to investigators
- The timeline surrounding the allegation
- Medical or forensic evidence
- Police interview procedures
Rape allegations can move quickly, and the consequences of a conviction are severe. The attorneys at Crouthamel Law Offices are prepared to challenge the accusations against you and fight for your rights at every stage of the case.
Speak With a Bethlehem Rape Defense Attorney
A rape conviction can affect nearly every part of your life long after a case ends. Prison time, sex offender registration, damage to your reputation, and difficulty finding work can follow you for years. When you are facing allegations this serious, the attorney you choose can have a major impact on your future.
Alexandria Crouthamel defends clients throughout Bethlehem and East Central Pennsylvania against high-stakes criminal charges. She understands how quickly these cases move and is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf. Call us at 610-428-3386 or contact us online to discuss your case.
