What Happens When You Are Accused of Date Rape?

What is date rape?

Date rape is generally defined as having sexual intercourse with the person whom you went on a date, without given consent. Some of the more common elements that lead to allegations of date rape are the use of drugs or alcohol, and choices that the accused makes that forces the accuser into a position where allegations seem to be the only solution. If you are facing Date Rape Charges in Washington, understanding the legal nuances and seeking experienced legal representation is crucial.

What should I do if I am being accused of Date Rape Charges in Washington?

When you are first accused of a date rape, you may be contacted by authorities as part of their investigation. It is highly recommended that you DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE. Know your rights, and understand that you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can and WILL be used against you. Talking to the police gives them the right to take what you say, and spin it around in whatever way it suits them. If you do decide to talk to the police, make sure that you have an attorney present at all times, so that they may advise you on what to say, and to speak on your behalf if given permission. Our lawyers at the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer will not only help you with the authorities, but will also provide you with a plan to move forward with your case.

How does intoxication play a role in this?

Intoxication can play a large role in the state of mind a person may be in, aiding in the facts of a particular incident at hand. When a person voluntarily consumes drugs or alcohol that alters their mental or physical condition, this is referred to as voluntary intoxication. In contrast, involuntary intoxication happens when a person unintentionally consumes a substance that makes them impaired. Both voluntary and involuntary intoxication can play a large role in the aftermath of date rape.

Voluntary Intoxication

Voluntary intoxication might cause poor judgment, weakened boundaries, and a higher likelihood of participating in unsafe or harmful conduct when out on a date. Everyone must be conscious of their personal limitations and choose wisely while consuming alcohol or other drugs. A person has not necessarily given their permission when they are voluntarily intoxicated. It’s essential to understand that permission must be provided intentionally and with clarity of mind, and that if someone is very intoxicated to the point of having poor judgment or being incapacitated, they might not be able to offer consent that is legally binding. In fact, some legal systems hold that any sexual action that takes place when a person is too inebriated to agree is non-consensual and is thus regarded as sexual assault. This is because someone who is impaired may not be able to adequately articulate their boundaries or understand what they are consenting to. In other words an intoxicated “yes” or consent can leave you at risk for many legal implications in the future.

Involuntary Intoxication

In contrast, involuntary intoxication can occur when someone is drugged without their knowledge or permission. This is possible due to the usage of “date rape” drugs, which are frequently slipped into beverages without the person’s awareness. If a person believes they have been drugged, they should seek medical assistance right once and report the occurrence to the police. Involuntary intoxication can also impair one’s capacity to consent. If someone is drugged without their knowledge or agreement, they may become unconscious and unable to grasp what is going on or adequately articulate their boundaries. In such instances, any sexual activity would be regarded non-consensual and hence a kind of sexual assault. Individuals should emphasize their safety and well-being on a date, and take precautions to avoid being drugged, such as keeping an eye on their drink and refusing beverages from strangers.

What constitutes consent?

A person’s consent is their approval of another person or group to carry out a certain action or activity. In general, consent must fulfill the following characteristics in order to be considered valid:

1. Voluntary: Consent must be given freely, without coercion, pressure, or threats of any kind. The person giving consent must have the ability to freely make the decision to agree or disagree.
2. Informed: Consent must be given with a clear understanding of the nature, purpose, and potential consequences of the action or activity.
3. Specific: Consent must be given for a particular action or activity, and it cannot be assumed to apply to other activities.
4. Active: Consent must be given through an affirmative action or statement, such as saying “yes”. 
5. Reversible: Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and the person who has given consent must be informed of this right.

It’s vital to understand that different sorts of consent are necessary in different contexts, such as sexual consent, medical consent, and agreement for research study participation. The conditions for valid permission may differ slightly based on the situation in each case.

What are the consequences of being accused of Date Rape Charges in Washington?

When it comes to not obtaining consent before sexual contact with another individual who is intoxicated,it is rape in the second degree according to the Revised Code of Washington. This is because in the Revised Code of Washington, rape in the second degree is forcible non-consentual sexual intercourse with an adult that is physically helpless, mentally incapacitated, or vulnerable or frail adults. This conviction can carry incredibly heavy consequences that can affect you for the rest of your life. As a class A felony, it can come with punishments such as up to life in prison, lifetime probation, lifetime sex offender registration, and up to $50,000 in fines.

What does Law say about Date Rape Charges in Washington?

Washington State’s Revised Code of Washington (RCW) includes several sections related to sexual assault, including date rape. Here are some relevant RCW sections related to date rape:

RCW 9A.44.040: This section defines the crime of rape in the third degree, which includes sexual intercourse without consent where the victim is mentally incapacitated. This can include cases of date rape where the victim is drugged or otherwise unable to consent.

RCW 9A.44.050: This section defines the crime of rape in the second degree, which includes sexual intercourse without consent, where the victim is compelled to submit by force or threat of force. This can include cases of date rape where the victim is coerced or threatened with sexual activity.

RCW 9A.44.060: This section defines the crime of rape in the first degree, which includes sexual intercourse without consent where the victim is compelled to submit by force or threat of force, and one or more aggravating factors are present. Aggravating factors can include the use of a deadly weapon, infliction of severe bodily injury, or commission of the offense during a kidnapping.

RCW 9A.44.076: This section defines the crime of sexual assault in the third degree, which includes non-consensual sexual contact where the victim is mentally incapacitated. This can include cases of date rape where the victim is touched sexually without their consent.

RCW 9A.44.079: This section defines the crime of sexual assault in the second degree, which includes non-consensual sexual contact where the victim is compelled to submit by force or threat of force. This can include cases of date rape where the victim is coerced or threatened with sexual activity.

RCW 9A.44.080: This section defines the crime of sexual assault in the first degree, which includes non-consensual sexual contact where the victim is compelled to submit by force or threat of force and one or more aggravating factors are present. Aggravating factors can include using a deadly weapon, infliction of severe bodily injury, or commissioning of the offense during a kidnapping.

RCW 9A.44.040: This provision defines rape in the third degree, which involves sexual intercourse without permission when the victim is unable to agree due to physical or mental incapacity. This includes situations of date rape where the victim is under the influence of drugs or otherwise unable to agree.

RCW 9A.44.050: This section defines rape in the second degree as sexual intercourse without consent in which the victim is coerced to comply by force or fear of force. This includes situations of date rape in which the victim is pressured or threatened into engaging in sexual activity.