Tacoma Rape Defense Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Attorney for Charges of Rape in Tacoma, WA

It is no exaggeration to say that a rape accusation can completely upend your life. A conviction of this charge carries harsh penalties, ranging from mandatory sex offender registration to life in prison. As such, it is best to seek legal representation as soon as possible if you have been accused of this crime.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience representing clients accused of serious felony offenses, including sex crimes. We will provide you with an aggressive defense strategy based on the facts of your case, offering practical guidance every step of the way.

When Can You Be Charged With Rape in the First Degree in Washington State?

First-degree rape is one of the most serious sex offense charges in Washington. The state may bring this charge when prosecutors allege sexual intercourse occurred through forcible compulsion and involved an aggravating factor, such as the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon, kidnapping, serious physical injury, or unlawful entry into a building or vehicle where the alleged victim was located.

A person may also face this charge if the state claims the alleged victim was drugged without knowledge or consent and became incapable of consent due to physical helplessness or mental incapacitation.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony. A conviction can carry life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. A conviction may also require sex offender registration, community custody, strict supervision, and consequences that affect housing, employment, family relationships, and reputation. These cases demand immediate attention because the accusation alone can begin damaging a person's life before trial.

Can You Dispute False Rape Accusations in Court?

False or unsupported accusations can be disputed in court, but they must be handled carefully. A rape defense is not built on anger, speculation, or personal attacks, but rather a foundation of hard evidence.

A defense strategy may examine the timeline, communications between the parties, witness statements, physical evidence, medical records, location data, surveillance footage, and inconsistencies in the prosecution's account. Text messages, calls, social media messages, and prior interactions may help clarify what happened before and after the alleged incident.

In some cases, the defense may show that the accusation came from a place of confusion, pressure from others, relationship conflict, mistaken identity, or statements that changed over time. The goal is not to make broad assumptions. The goal is to test the state's case and expose reasonable doubt when the evidence does not support the charge.

Lack of Evidence as a Defense to Rape Charges

The prosecution must prove every element of a rape charge beyond a reasonable doubt. That burden remains with the state from beginning to end. The accused does not have to prove innocence.

Lack of evidence may become central when the state cannot prove forcible compulsion, lack of consent, identity, aggravating circumstances, or the accused person's involvement. Physical evidence may be absent, inconclusive, contaminated, or inconsistent with the prosecution's theory. Witness statements may conflict with one another. Police may have failed to collect key evidence, interview important witnesses, or preserve digital records.

Our defense lawyer can also challenge how the investigation was conducted. If officers pushed for a particular narrative too early, ignored conflicting facts, or relied on assumptions instead of proof, those issues can come up during the criminal proceedings.

Meet With a Tacoma, Washington Rape Defense Attorney

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we provide serious, discreet defense for people accused of rape in Tacoma. We examine the facts, protect your rights, and fight to keep the prosecution from defining your future. Call 123-456-7890 or contact our Tacoma, WA rape defense lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation.