McLean, VA Rape Defense Attorney

Experienced Sex Crimes Attorney Defending Against Rape Accusations in McLean, Virginia

Getting arrested for rape can feel like a nightmare you cannot wake up from. This type of accusation can destroy your reputation long before you have a chance to defend yourself in court. A restraining order may be issued to protect the alleged victim, which can pose a real problem if you work in the same place, attend the same university, or are a part of the same social circle. This is very likely, as most reported rapes involve a victim and defendant who know each other.

Even if you already have substantial evidence that you are not guilty, you may be socially ostracized. There is strong societal pressure for others to believe people who say they have been raped, sexually assaulted, or sexually harassed. You need an attorney who is experienced in addressing every aspect of a rape case, from managing the publicity your case may attract to gathering evidence and preparing for trial. With a dedicated legal advocate on your side, you can build an effective defense strategy to help prevent a criminal conviction and the requirement to register as a sex offender.

Noorishad Law, P.C. has handled numerous complex and high-profile sex crime cases. McLean, VA rape defense attorney Kaveh Noorishad understands that an accusation is not a conviction, and he will fight to protect your freedom, reputation, and future prospects. The American Institute of Criminal Attorneys has named him one of the top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Virginia for client satisfaction. He is results-driven and client-focused, and he takes on a limited number of cases so that all clients receive the individualized attention they deserve.

Understanding Rape Charges

The crime of rape specifically refers to having sexual intercourse with another person without their consent. Related charges may include object sexual penetration. Assaults that do not involve intercourse or penetration may be prosecuted as sexual battery instead. To be convicted of rape, the state must prove that you had sexual intercourse with the victim, and that one or more of the following is true:

• Force Was Used: When most people think of rape, they think of forcible rape in which the victim resisted but was physically forced to submit. Defendants accused of forcible rape may also be charged with a violent crime like assault and battery, especially if the alleged victim was injured.
• The Victim Was Threatened or Intimidated: Allegations of threatening or intimidating a person into submitting without using actual force may lead to charges of rape. You may be charged with a separate weapons offense if you allegedly displayed or brandished a deadly weapon.
• The Victim Was Helpless: If the alleged victim was physically helpless or mentally incapacitated when the alleged act of intercourse happened, rape charges may apply based on a lack of consent. You may be accused of rape if the alleged victim was heavily intoxicated. Accusations of administering a date rape drug to facilitate sexual intercourse can be especially serious.
• The Victim Was Under 13: - Children under 13 years old are considered incapable of consenting to sexual activity. Allegations of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 18 may lead to rape charges. You could also be charged with statutory rape if the alleged victim was between 13 and 15 years old and you are an adult.

Defending Against Rape Accusations

Addressing rape charges can be challenging. However, the conviction rate for this offense is quite low relative to other offenses. Your attorney may show that no intercourse occurred or that you had consent to engage in intercourse. The types of evidence the state collected are very important. The evidence used in a rape case is often weaker than it appears. For example, even if the victim went straight to the hospital and had a rape kit done, this can prove that sexual intercourse occurred, but it will not determine whether the intercourse was consensual.

A rape case may effectively come down to your word versus the alleged victim's. Building up your credibility before the jury is often very important, especially if you are going to testify at trial. Our attorney can gather the evidence needed to prove that you are innocent, and he can make sure you take the right steps to show that you did not engage in the sexual activity in question, that you had consent, or that there is a lack of evidence to show that a crime occurred.

Contact Our McLean Rape Charges Attorney

Noorishad Law, P.C. will aggressively defend you against rape allegations. Dedicated McLean, VA rape defense lawyer Kaveh Noorishad understands that these charges are not always fair or grounded in evidence, and he is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us at 703-542-4500 for a complimentary consultation.