Austin Texas Criminal Defense Attorney

What is Rape?

Rape can be a very confusing subject. While it seems like a very cut and dry sort of crime, it is not. Every jurisdiction has its own definition of rape that is different from every other jurisdiction. This makes it very difficult to say what rape actually is.

In some places, rape can be defined as any forced sexual penetration. However, there are also jurisdictions in which rape can only be performed by a man against a woman. In some of these jurisdictions, rape must also be vaginal penetration. Some of these definitions are very narrow, and some are fairly broad.

However, it is important to remember that just because the crime is not classified as rape does not mean that it is not a serious crime. In jurisdictions where rape is narrowly defined, everything else is considered sexual assault to some degree. The higher degrees of sexual assault are punished to the same or similar extent that rape is.

Sexual assault is just as hard to define as rape. This is because it includes rape as well as everything that rape does not. Sexual assault can more easily be defined as any forced sexual advance. This can range from a kiss or a touch all the way up to rape.

Speak with an Austin Criminal Defense Attorney

Rape and sexual assault can be very confusing subjects. If you or someone you know has been charged with rape, contact the Austin criminal defense attorney, Ian Inglis at 800.589.1808 to learn more about the subject.