Chicago, IL Rape Defense Lawyer

Respected Attorney Helping Defend Against Accusations of Rape in Chicago, Illinois

Rape allegations are among the most serious criminal accusations that a person can face in Illinois. These charges carry the potential for lengthy prison sentences, as well as being branded a sex offender for life. They can also lead to devastating personal and professional consequences. Even before a case goes to trial, a person accused of rape may experience damage to their reputation, their relationships with friends and family may be ruined, and their life may be affected in many other ways.

If you have been accused of rape in Chicago, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will act quickly to protect your rights, investigate the accusations, and help you develop a strong defense. At Miranda Law Office, LTD, we can provide the representation you need, and with our experience handling cases involving sex crimes, we will make sure your case is treated with discretion.

Attorney Miguel Miranda has over 20 years of legal experience, and he has represented clients in a wide variety of criminal cases. He also has experience as a Cook County prosecutor, giving him an understanding of how cases involving accusations of sex crimes are built and prosecuted. Our firm provides bilingual services in English and Spanish, serving the diverse communities of Chicago and offering clients the guidance they need in these challenging situations.

Why You Need Legal Representation When Facing Rape Accusations

Cases involving accusations of sexual offenses often address complex issues related to consent. The alleged victim, witnesses, and the person who has been accused may provide conflicting statements, and the testimony provided during a trial is likely to be highly emotional. Prosecutors often use aggressive investigative techniques, and complex forensic evidence may need to be addressed. Our skilled defense attorney can level the playing field by scrutinizing the state's evidence, protecting the constitutional rights of a defendant, and crafting a defense that is focused on avoiding a sex crime conviction.

Rape and Related Charges

In Illinois, the term "rape" is not used in the state's criminal statutes. Instead, these offenses are prosecuted under laws addressing criminal sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse in the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 et seq.). Sexual assault may involve sexual intercourse committed without consent and through the use of force or coercion. Sexual abuse involves sexual contact other than intercourse committed without consent.

Types of Rape

There are multiple situations where a person may be accused of rape, including:

• Forcible Rape: Accusations may include claims that a person used physical force, threats, or violence to force someone to engage in sexual intercourse or sexual conduct. A person may be charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault if they are accused of using a weapon or inflicting serious injuries.
• Rape Through Coercion: A person may be accused of using psychological pressure, intimidation, or abuse of authority to convince the alleged victim to engage in sexual acts. Even if there was no physical violence, this conduct may be considered non-consensual, and accusations could lead to criminal charges.
• Date Rape: When two people who know each other engage in sexual conduct, but one party later claims they did not or could not consent, a person may be charged with sexual assault. Alcohol or drug use is often a factor in these cases, and in some cases, a person may be accused of purposely drugging someone in order to engage in sexual activities without their consent.

The Impact of Rape Accusations on a Person's Life

An accusation of rape or sexual misconduct can have devastating effects on a person's life, even if they are not convicted of a crime. Some of these effects may include:

• Reputation Damage: Media coverage, attacks on social media, and rumors passed through a person's social circles can damage their reputation. Accusations may affect both personal and professional relationships.
• Employment Consequences: Many employers will terminate employees who have been accused of sexual misconduct. When applying for a new job, background checks or even simple online searches conducted by potential employers can reveal pending charges or public accusations. A person may struggle to find employment, especially if they work in fields involving children.
• Family Strain: Allegations of sex crimes may lead to an order of protection that will prohibit contact with the accuser and, in some cases, with children or other family members. A person could lose custody of their children, and they may only be allowed to have supervised visitation.
• Mental and Emotional Toll: The stress of a criminal investigation and attacks on a person's character can cause anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges.

Contact Our Chicago Rape Defense Attorney

Rape or sexual assault accusations should be treated very seriously. In these situations, it is critical to secure legal counsel as soon as possible. Attorney Miranda can provide experienced and compassionate defense, and he will fight to protect the rights of defendants and work to resolve these cases while minimizing the legal and personal consequences they may face. Contact our Chicago, IL rape defense lawyer and set up a confidential consultation by calling 773-588-3822.