Defining the Sex Crime of Date Rape
“Date rape” is a common term which describes an alleged sexual assault (rape) which occurs between two individuals who know each other. These charges typically involve domestic partners, friends, and casual relationships.
Charges of date rape often happen when a victim alleges that another person used force, intimidation, or threats as a means of coercion and of engaging in sexual activity without consent. Furthermore, date rape also entails situations in which a victim is allegedly drugged or intentionally intoxicated.
Date rape is charged with any other rape under the crime of criminal sexual assault. However, the crime becomes aggravated if, among other factors, the offender displays or threatens to use a dangerous weapon, the offender is armed with a firearm, the offender causes bodily harm to the victim, the victim is physically handicapped, or the offender uses a controlled substance on the victim without the victim’s consent or by threat or deception.
Penalties for Date Rape
Date rape is considered a Class 1 felony in Illinois, which is punishable by a prison sentence between four and 15 years and a fine of up to $25,000. On the other hand, aggravated sexual assault is generally a Class X felony, punishable by a prison sentence ranging from six to 30 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
In addition, convictions of both criminal sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault will require registration in the Illinois Sex Offender Database. This means that your freedom, future employment, and the rest of your life will be influenced significantly by a date rape conviction.
If you have been charged with the crime of date rape, contact our Chicago sex crime lawyer at the Law Office of Steven Fine and request a free consultation today.
