Date / Acquaintance Rape

College Park Date Rape Defense Lawyer

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer with Offices in College Park and Gaithersburg

I have seen, over the last 15 years, a large increase in the number of “date or acquaintance rape” allegations, particularly in college settings. What might have begun as a night of consensual drinking between two friends, can be twisted into ugly allegations of date rape or sexual offenses the next day. You need experienced and aggressive legal help at that moment.

Date rape or acquaintance rape is a sex crime which involves an allegation of nonconsensual, forcible sex between persons who know each other. In some cases the victim may allege that he or she was unable to consent to the sexual activity because of extreme intoxication or diminished capacity. The fact is, just because someone was drunk when they had sex does not mean that they were forced, coerced or did not consent to the act. Looking back the day after the encounter does not turn an otherwise consensual act into a forced sexual offense. Remember, if you are charged you are presumed to be innocent, but it might not feel that way to you at that point.

Steven M. Jacoby of the Law Offices of Steven M. Jacoby is an alumnus of UMCP and a lawyer defending adults, juveniles and college students facing criminal charges.

If you or your college son has been charged with sexual assault, contact the Law Offices of Steven M. Jacoby at 301-779-5560 or call toll-free 800-864-4488 for a free consultation.

Experienced and aggressive defense

In my 37 years of criminal law practice, I’ve handled thousands of criminal cases and represented hundreds of people facing misdemeanor and felony charges for sex crimes, including date rape, the use of GHB, Rohypnol, or Roofies, and related charges such as sexting. These are extremely serious charges and the consequences, even in misdemeanor cases, can be severe, especially for a student at the University of Maryland College Park. The Judicial Board or the Office of Student Conduct can also bring charges which could lead to expulsion from campus and a permanent notation your academic record.

Criminal, societal and academic consequences

The most serious possible consequence of a date rape charge is a criminal conviction with jail or prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender. Sex offender registration is going to have lifelong negative consequences in terms of employment, housing and many other aspects of your life. Once you are on the sex offender registry, it is almost impossible to have your name removed.

Even if you are successful in fighting criminal date rape charges, you may still find yourself facing charges at a Judicial Board Hearing relating to the event. The University will act quickly; you should, too. UMCP college students convicted of any physical assault or sexual offense face the prospect of expulsion – being “separated from the university” – which will be a permanent mark on your academic record.

Contact The Law Offices of Steven M. Jacoby

College students are a large part of my law practice. When I take your criminal case, I can also represent you in Judicial Board hearings. Contact my College Park or Gaithersburg law office at 301-779-5560 or call toll-free 800-864-4488 for a free consultation.