Rape & Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer in Portland
Being charged with sexual assault of any kind, including rape, will alter the course of your life. If you are found guilty of the charges, your life will be permanently changed. Lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines are possible.
At Robert L. Sepp, Attorney at Law, in West Linn, you will find a sexual assault attorney who has been defending people in Oregon since 2002. As a former public defender, he handled hundreds of sex crime cases, from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. You can be certain that he knows how to investigate the case and build a strong defense.
Sexual Assault In Oregon
The state defines sexual assault as any sexual encounter that takes place without the person’s consent. This includes:
- Rape and attempted rape
- Molestation of a minor
- Inappropriate sexual contact
- Incest
- Indecent exposure/lewd behavior
If you are charged with any of these offenses, contact a sexual assault attorney immediately.
What Is The Definition Of Rape?
In Oregon, rape in the first degree is defined as being “subjected to forcible compulsion by another person,” and the victim is:
- Less than 12 years old
- Less than 16 years old and is the perpetrator’s sibling, child or their spouse’s child
- Unable to consent to the act
The crime of rape in the first degree is a Class A felony, with penalties that include:
- A minimum prison sentence of 300 months, if the victim is less than 12 years old
- A minimum prison sentence of 100 months, if the victim is over 12 years old
- A maximum sentence of 20 years in prison
- A $375,000 maximum fine
These are extremely serious penalties that will have collateral consequences.
What Effect Will A Sex Crime Conviction Have On Your Life?
Depending on the severity of the offense, you may suffer consequences such as:
- Losing a professional license and career
- Trouble finding any type of job
- Damage to your reputation
- Having to register as a sex offender on local and national registries
- Trouble finding housing in certain neighborhoods
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Losing custody of your children
- Having a permanent criminal record
- Lengthy supervised parole and probation periods
Any of these issues can make your life difficult after you get out of prison. That’s why you need a sexual assault attorney on your side.
Why Should You Seek A Sexual Assault Attorney Quickly?
The penalties and consequences noted above will radically change your life as you know it. Years in prison and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars will drastically reduce your net worth and earning capacity. Life may be an ongoing struggle even after you are released from prison, probation or parole.
An Oregon rape lawyer will be able to investigate the prosecutor’s case, including the evidence against you and determine whether they have a strong case. When you get attorney Sepp involved early on, he can also mitigate damage to your reputation and seek to protect your privacy.
Defending People In The Clackamas County Area
To reach a sexual assault attorney, call 503-388-5382 or send an email to the firm today. The sooner you get started, the better chance attorney Sepp can help you.