Rape and Sexual Assault Defense in State College, PA

Some states use the terms rape and sexual assault interchangeably. In Pennsylvania, however, they are considered two separate crimes, which vary in severity. Rape is the more serious offense, and occurs when a person engages in sexual intercourse with another by using force or threatening to use force. Rape also includes intercourse with an individual who is unconscious, drugged, or otherwise incapable of providing consent.

Rape is graded as a first degree felony, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. If the defendant caused the complainant to be impaired at the time of the offense through the use of substances that render the complainant less likely to resist, an additional 10 years in prison and additional fine of up to $100,000 can be added to the defendant's already hefty sentence.

Sexual Assault is a hot-button issue on college campuses. With an office in downtown State College, Pennsylvania, the attorneys at Masorti Law, P.C. are quite familiar with sexual assault cases. Sexual assault occurs when there is unwanted or forced sexual contact with someone who does not consent or is unable to provide consent. Sexual Assault includes not only intercourse, but also a broader range of actions such as groping or fondling the intimate parts of another without that person's consent. Sexual Assault charges often result from misunderstandings, for instance, when too much alcohol has been consumed, or by an intentional lie on the part of the complainant. When that happens, you want to have a seasoned trial lawyer on your side who can challenge the prosecution's case and thoroughly cross-examine all the witnesses to expose their motivation for testifying or even bringing the charges in the first place.

Pennsylvania's Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse (IDSI) statute makes it illegal to engage in oral or anal sex with an unwilling person, utilize a foreign object to penetrate an unwilling person, or to have sex with an animal. IDSI also occurs when a person engages in such acts by force or threat of force, or with someone who is unconscious or unable to consent due to age or mental capacity. Like Rape, IDSI is a first degree felony and can result in a prison sentence of 20 years. Furthermore, an additional 10 years in prison can be added if the offender used a substance such as a date rape drug to commit IDSI.

Indecent Assault charges stem from an allegation that the defendant had indecent contact with another individual without that person's consent or that the defendant caused the complainant to come into contact with seminal fluid, urine or feces for purposes of satisfying sexual desires. The penalty for Indecent Assault varies based on the age of the complainant and the defendant, as well as other factors present at the time of the offense. For example, Indecent Assault is a second degree misdemeanor if there was no consent or if the complainant was younger than 16 and the defendant was over four years older than the complainant. However, it becomes a first degree misdemeanor with a harsher penalty if the defendant used or threatened to use force, the complainant was unconscious, incapable of giving consent due to a mental disability, or under the age of 13 years of age.

In Pennsylvania, it is a crime to corrupt the morals of a minor or aid, abet, entice, or encourage a minor to commit a crime. While Corruption of Minors is most often charged in relation to sex crimes, it is possible to be charged with Corruption of Minors in connection to a wide range of other offenses as well. In other words, you could be charged with Corruption of Minors for using your child to assist in committing an offense or simply having your child with you when you commit an offense. The penalty for a Corruption of Minors charge depends on the type of activities alleged to have occurred. If the Corruption of Minors charge relates to sexual activity, the offense is graded as a felony and is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Corruption of Minors relating to other types of offenses are misdemeanors which can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. Regardless of the type of related offense, Corruption of Minors is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly.

Indecent exposure occurs when an individual exposes their genitals in public or in a place where others can see you and be alarmed, annoyed or offended. The penalty for Indecent Exposure is increased if the offender knew or should have known that children under the age of 16 years of age were present at the time of the offense.

Here, at Masorti Law, P.C., we have a reputation for aggressively protecting the rights of those who are accused of rape, sexual assault, and other sex crimes. We understand what's at stake and zealously advocate for the best outcome for our clients. Contact Us Now to set up a free, confidential consultation.