Rape Attorney in Bellflower

Your Defense Ally When Facing Serious Charges in Bellflower

When you are accused of a sex crime in Bellflower, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. At Stein & Markus, we guide you through the complicated legal process with dedication, urgency, and compassion. Our supportive approach ensures you feel heard and confident during an overwhelming time.

We understand how intimidating it can feel to navigate the criminal justice system in Los Angeles County. Our attorneys take time to listen to your story and answer your questions clearly from the earliest stage. At every step, our team helps you evaluate your options, provides honest insight about possible outcomes, and keeps you updated so you’re never left wondering what comes next.

Contact a strategic rape attorney in Bellflower at Stein & Markus now. We are former prosecutors, and we offer free consultations, 24/7 availability, and bilingual consultations. Call (562) 512-7030 or reach out online immediately.

Understanding Rape Laws in California (PC § 261)

California Penal Code § 261 PC defines the felony sex crime of rape as an act of non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the perpetrator's spouse, under certain circumstances. Crucially, the law recognizes various means by which non-consensual intercourse can be accomplished, beyond just physical force.

The Different Forms of Rape in California

The law is comprehensive and covers situations where consent cannot legally be given:

• Force or Fear: The act is accomplished against a person's will by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate bodily injury to the victim or another person. (PC § 261(a)(2)). This is the most common form of rape charge.
• Incapacity Due to Intoxication: The victim is prevented from resisting by an intoxicating or anesthetic substance, and the defendant knew or reasonably should have known of this condition. (PC § 261(a)(3)).
• Unconsciousness/Sleep: The victim is unconscious of the nature of the act (e.g., asleep or passed out), and the defendant knew of this condition. (PC § 261(a)(4)).
• Fraud: The act is accomplished against the victim's will by fraudulently representing that the sexual penetration serves a professional or medical purpose when it does not.

A skilled Bellflower rape defense lawyer must understand the nuances of these subsections, as the defense strategy will differ dramatically based on the specific allegation.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Rape Conviction

A conviction for rape in Bellflower is a conviction for a violent felony that carries mandatory sentencing. We fight aggressively to prevent these devastating outcomes.

Direct Criminal Penalties

Rape is a serious felony offense, and penalties are mandatory under California law:

• State Prison: The standard sentence for rape is three, six, or eight years in state prison.
• Sentence Enhancements: Penalties are increased if:
  • The victim suffered Great Bodily Injury (GBI), adding an additional three to five years to the sentence.
  • The victim was a minor, increasing the sentence up to 13 years.
• Three Strikes Law: A conviction for rape counts as a "strike" under California's Three Strikes Law, meaning a second violent or serious felony conviction doubles the sentence, and a third can result in a life sentence.

Permanent Collateral Consequences

California law ensures these penalties last a lifetime:

• Lifetime Sex Offender Registration (PC § 290): A rape conviction mandates registration as a sex offender for life (Tier Three Sex Offender Registration). This restricts housing, employment, and public movement indefinitely.
• Loss of Firearm Rights: Permanent loss of the right to own or possess firearms.
• Ineligibility for Probation: Due to recent legislative changes (AB 2888), probation is often barred, making a prison sentence virtually mandatory upon conviction.
• Social and Professional Ruin: The stigma of a rape conviction results in permanent social and professional isolation, job loss, and loss of professional licenses.