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Seasoned Pennsylvania Attorney Defends Clients Accused of Date Rape

Respected Philadelphia criminal defender represents adults and juveniles

Date rape is a term often used to describe non-consensual sex between individuals whose contact began as a social encounter. It may also involve impairment of the alleged victim by drugs or alcohol. Because objective proof is often limited or nonexistent in these cases, the court must weigh the accuser’s story against the accused’s version. At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman in Philadelphia, we defend regular people who find themselves up against complicated sexual assault allegations. No matter the allegations, we assert our client’s right to a fair trial, focus on the actual evidence and fight to make sure both sides of the story are told.

Dedicated attorney advises clients charged with drug-related sexual assault

There is no Pennsylvania statute specifically defining date rape. However, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3121(a) makes it a first-degree felony to have sex with a person after using drugs, alcohol or other means to substantially impair their ability to control or consider their own actions. Having sex with an unconscious person or one who suffers from a mental disability that renders them incapable of consent is also a first-degree felony. A person who ingests GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and roofies (Flunitrazepam or Rohypnol) — drugs commonly associated with date rape — may lose their ability to say “no” or otherwise resist sexual assault.

The use of drugs can play a significant role in criminal sentencing for first-degree felony rape. The maximum sentence if drugs are not a factor is a prison term of 20 years and a fine of $25,000. If drugs were used to impair the accuser, the sentence can be increased by 10 years and $100,000. Any individual convicted of date rape is required to register with the Pennsylvania State Police as a sex offender. Mandatory counseling and active community notification may also be required.

A juvenile over the age of 14 who is accused of rape or another felony sexual assault can be charged as an adult in Pennsylvania. Child offenders between the ages of 10 and 14 will generally have their case tried in juvenile court.

Respected Pennsylvania lawyer helps clients refute date rape allegations

We understand how a rape accusation can take over a person’s life. At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman, we pursue full exoneration and fair settlements for our clients.

The issue of consent is critical in date rape cases. Where both parties were willing participants in the entire conduct and were at least 16 years old at the time, a date rape claim may not be credible. When drugs or alcohol were involved, each party may have a different understanding of whether consent was given. We work to corroborate the defendant’s account of events, including by conducting thorough investigations and gathering evidence such as text messages and witness testimony.

Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations allows for criminal charges to be filed up to 12 years after a rape occurred. Whether allegations relate to a recent crime or to an event from the past, our firm can work to develop a solid defensive strategy.

Contact a diligent Philadelphia criminal defense attorney for a legal consultation

At the Law Offices of David Jay Glassman in Philadelphia, we represent Pennsylvania adults and minors accused of date rape and other types of sexual assault. If you or a loved one is up against serious allegations, call us at 215-563-7100 or contact us online to arrange for a consultation. We represent clients in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.