Domestic violence charges and allegations of criminal sex offenses are often intertwined. An astonishing 68% of domestic violence cases involve an allegation of rape or sexual battery.
If you’ve been charged with both types of special victim crimes, it is imperative that you take prompt action to protect your legal rights and begin building a solid defense. Your family, your job, your future, and your freedom are all at stake.
Defining Sexual Abuse Under Oklahoma Law
In Oklahoma, first-degree rape refers to forced sexual vaginal or anal penetration of a victim against their will. Force can involve threats of physical harm or the victim being unable to consent because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First-degree rape is a felony that carries a penalty of five years to life in prison.
Spousal rape and date rape are not considered types of criminal charges. These offenses would be prosecuted as first-degree rape.
Sexual battery refers to the intentional touching or feeling of a body party—including the genitals—in a lewd and lascivious manner without consent. In Oklahoma, this is a felony that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
A conviction for a sex crime results in mandatory inclusion on Oklahoma Sex Offender Registry. Someone who is s registered sex offender faces a huge social stigma, in addition to substantial infringements upon their personal freedom. For example:
- Sex offenders can’t reside within 2,000 feet of a school, public park, playground, daycare facility, or child-focused property—even if their crime had nothing to do with children. This means 80-90% of housing in Oklahoma is off-limits.
- Sex offenders can’t work in schools or with children—even when their crimes don’t involve child victims.
- Sex offenders can’t attend sporting events or school activities for their own children—even when their crimes don’t involve child victims.
- Sex offenders can’t live near other sex offenders—even if the two individuals don’t know each other.
- Sex offenders have the label “SEX OFFENDER” stamped on their Oklahoma driver’s license.
- Sex offenders may be subject to GPS monitoring—potentially for life.
If a sex offender can’t meet the registry requirements and fails to register, this is a felony punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.
The State Can Gain a Conviction With Little or No Evidence
Although you’ve likely had consensual sexual relations with the alleged victim in the past, any sex crimes attached to a domestic violence charge should be taken seriously. What you may have interpreted as an emotionally charged attempt to “make things right” after an argument got out of control may be viewed by the state as rape or sexual battery.
Evidence of consensual sex can be easily interpreted as evidence of rape, especially since this charge doesn’t necessarily need to involve visible physical injury to the victim. A sexual battery charge needs no physical evidence attached to it.
Cases involving sexual crimes can easily deteriorate into a “he said, she said” scenario where you’re competing to see who comes across as the most credible witness. When the charge is tacked on to a domestic violence offense, you’re in an incredibly vulnerable position.
How The Berlin Law Firm Can Help
If you’ve been accused of both domestic violence and sexual abuse, you need an experienced attorney who can work with you to build the strongest possible defense. These charges will not go away on their own, regardless of whether the alleged victim wants to take legal action. Retaining an attorney with the skills and legal knowledge to craft a custom-tailored defense and give you a fighting chance against the accusations you’re facing is an investment in your future.
Attorney Lee Berlin is the only private attorney in Oklahoma to focus on defending individuals accused of special victim crimes, which includes domestic violence and sexual crimes. Mr. Berlin has a 10.0 “Superb” Avvo Rating, numerous positive client testimonials, and a ranking on the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 list for unmatched client satisfaction and results.
Have You Been Charged With a Domestic Assault and Battery Crime in the Tulsa, OK Area?
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic assault & battery in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call 918.384.0850 for your initial strategy session. We are proud to serve Tulsa and all surrounding areas.
|
Related Links: |
