Domestic Violence Rape in Seattle

A domestic violence offense is not limited only to assault crimes. There are a number of offenses that Washington law can consider domestic violence. Most of these crimes are very serious and are often charged as felonies. One of these crimes is rape. When a rape occurs between people who share a close relationship, it can be domestic violence. Even on its own, however, rape is a felony offense that can lead to a sentence of life in prison. If you have been accused of domestic violence and rape in Seattle, call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi today to discuss your options.

Washington Rape Laws

Rape is a very serious offense. Anyone accused of any type of rape should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. According to FBI data, there were 119 cases of forcible rape reported in Seattle in 2012 alone. In Washington, there are 2 classes of rape, first degree and second degree. First degree charges are the most serious and, according to RCW 9A.44.040 (1), state:

A person is guilty of rape in the first degree when such person engages in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion where the perpetrator or an accessory:

(a) Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or what appears to be a deadly weapon; or

(b) Kidnaps the victim; or

(c) Inflicts serious physical injury, including but not limited to physical injury which renders the victim unconscious; or

d) Feloniously enters into the building or vehicle where the victim is situated.

A person can be charged with rape in the second degree under RCW 9A.44.050 when a person “when, under circumstances not constituting rape in the first degree, the person engages in sexual intercourse with another person” and other factors exist such as:

• Forcible compulsion was used
• When the victim is a person with a developmental disability and the perpetrator is a person who is not married to the victim and who:
  • Has supervisory authority over the victim; or
  • Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense;
• When the victim is a frail elder or vulnerable adult and the perpetrator is a person who is not married to the victim and who:
  • Has a significant relationship with the victim

What Makes Rape Domestic Violence?

Under RCW 10.99.020 a person can be accused of domestic violence in a number of situations including rape. According to this law, cases involving rape may fall under the category of domestic violence "when committed by one family or household member against another". A family or household member is defined as persons including:

• Spouses
• Former spouses
• Persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time
• Adult persons related by blood or marriage
• Adult persons who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past
• Persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past and who have or have had a dating relationship
• Persons sixteen years of age or older with whom a person sixteen years of age or older has or has had a dating relationship
• Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren

When a crime is considered domestic violence, it could lead to steeper penalties if the suspect is convicted. A DV conviction can also affect child custody and other legal matters. If you have been arrested for domestic violence and rape, call our office right now!

Penalties for Domestic Violence Rape in Washington

In an effort to discourage rape crimes, lawmakers look to impose the steepest penalties on offenders. Under Washington law, rape is a felony offense. In fact, both second and first degree rape crimes are considered Class A offenses. The maximum sentence for this includes life in prison and a $50,000 fine. In addition, anyone convicted of a domestic violence crime may be subject to additional fines and penalties. The victim(s) of the offense may also seek a no-contact order against the defendant which could prevent them from returning to their home or seeing their children.

Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Rape is one of the most serious domestic violence crimes. If you are accused of rape or any other type of domestic violence crime, call attorney Steve Karimi right now. He is a former prosecutor who know understands what it takes to beat serious charges like these. You need a defense lawyer that will fight hard for you. The only way for you to avoid being sentenced for a Class A felony is to fight the allegations with the aid of an experienced legal team. Call our office today for a free consultation.