Rape Convictions in Oklahoma City are serious and happen more than people realize. Recently, Oklahoma City is making top lists for violent cities. In fact, you have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a crime victim in Oklahoma City. This is 36% higher than the average for the rest of the state. Further, in 2017, over 400 reported rape crimes occurred in the city. This number does not include unreported rapes. The following article will explain more about the crime and the ramifications of Rape Convictions in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Rape Law
Oklahoma’s legal definition of rape is under Title 21 §1111. There are three main elements in this crime. Therefore, each element must be met for the State to bring charges against you and get a conviction. These are:
- Penetration: This is sexual penetration of the victim’s body. It can occur through use of the offender’s body or through use of an inanimate object.
- Non-consent: The element of non-consent is the most difficult to prove. This is due to the vagueness of some types of consent. For example, many times affirmative consent is not an express “yes” to the sexual activity. This leaves room for misunderstanding and misinterpretation between the offender and the victim parties.
- Force: Force in many ways coincides with penetration. In most jurisdictions, as long as penetration occurs then the force elements is also met.
Rape Convictions and the Punishments
Rape, like other violent crimes, follows a gradient of penalties depending on the violence of the particular situation. As a result, first degree rape charges have the most severe sentences. These are a minimum of five years in prison and registration on the Sex Offender Registry. If the rape is extremely violent, an offender could even face lifetime imprisonment. However, second degree convictions have a prison sentence ranging from a minimum of 1 year imprisonment to a possible 15 years.
FOR MORE INFO ON ASSAULT AND BATTERY CRIMES SEE OUR ARTICLE.
OKC Defense Attorneys
Rape is a serious charge that you should hire an attorney to defend against. We understand the gravity of the situation and what it means for you and your future. Call us today. Your first consultation is free.