5 Consequences You Face if You are Convicted of Rape in Riverside County

Even if you are convicted of rape in Riverside County under Penal Code 261, you will still need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending rape cases. Following a conviction, your case will be set for a sentencing hearing. At this hearing, the judge will issue the terms of your sentence. Therefore, you need an experienced defense lawyer at your side during this hearing to ensure that your interests are fully protected.

With over 40 years of experience successfully defending clients accused of rape offenses and other sex crimes in Southern California, the attorneys at Wallin & Klarich are ready to provide you with the representation you need during this difficult time. Below, we outline some of the consequences you face if convicted of rape, so that you know what to expect:

1. Lengthy State Prison Sentence

Rape is a felony and a conviction can lead to a very serious punishment. If you are convicted, a Riverside County Judge may impose a three, six or eight-year prison sentence. In addition, the judge can add five years to your sentence if your accuser sustained “great bodily harm” during the rape. Because rape is considered a serious violent felony under state sentencing laws, you will also be required to serve at least 85 percent of your imposed sentence before being released.

Sentencing can be a complicated process. The judge must follow many rules. Therefore, it is important you have an experience Wallin & Klarich lawyer who is familiar with sentencing rules.

2. Large Monetary Fine

In addition to a lengthy prison sentence, the judge may also impose you a fine up to $10,000 under Penal Code 672 PC.

3. Parole

After you have served at least 85 percent of your prison sentence and are released, you will face a number of parole restrictions. You will be required to meet with a court-assigned parole officer regularly. You will have restrictions on where you can live and work. Furthermore, you will likely have to wear an ankle-mounted GPS tracking device 24/7.

4. “Strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law

If convicted of rape, your conviction will count as a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. This law was designed to add significant time to prison sentences for repeat offenders. A second “strike” will double the length of your imposed sentence. A third “strike” could expose you to a life-time prison sentence. Due to changes in California’s Three Strikes Law over time, the rules have become complicated. Our team of rape defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich will help you navigate this complicated law and ensure that your rights are fully protected.

5. Lifelong Sex Offender Registration

One of harshest consequences you face due to a rape conviction is the requirement to register as a sex offender with the local law enforcement agency. The agency will post your information on a database that is accessible by the general public.

Call Wallin & Klarich if You are Convicted of Rape in Riverside

So far this year, there have been 61 reported incidents of rape in Riverside County, according to the Riverside County Police Department. In the last five years, Riverside County has never experienced more than 108 rapes in a single year. As illustrated above, a rape conviction in Riverside County can be a life-altering event. That is why you need to contact Wallin & Klarich if you are facing rape charges. Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience defending our clients against all types of rape charges. We will carefully review the facts of your case in order to navigate this complicated process and give you the best representation possible.

In many cases, our attorneys can work with state prosecutors to have your charges reduced. We will fight for your freedom every step of the way, from the initial investigation through the sentencing hearing. We will help you avoid the stigma and severe penalties associated with a rape conviction.

Our offices are located in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina, Victorville, Torrance and Sherman Oaks. Give us a call today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245. We will be there when you call.