Sex Crime Charges from Date Rape Situations

 Posted on February 22, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Tennessee Code §39-13-503 defines rape as the “unlawful sexual penetration of a victim.” If you have been charged with rape, the social stigma that follows you can be paralyzing. Not only impacting your personal life, a rape conviction can result in significant prison time and hefty fines.

Our Knoxville sex crimes defense lawyer would like to discuss rape charges stemming from date rape situations and the potential penalties you may be facing if convicted.

What is Date Rape?

Date rape occurs when there is sexual intercourse between two people who meet in a social setting, but the victim does not give their consent. It is common for the non-consenting individual to be drugged prior to intercourse.

To constitute rape, there must be sexual penetration. Sexual penetration is the intrusion of a person’s body or object into the genital or anal openings, not necessarily involving ejaculation.

Penalties for Date Rape in Tennessee

In Tennessee, rape is a Class B felony, punishable between 8-30 years in jail, with a potential fine of $25,000.

Albeit, aggravated rape is a Class A felony. Aggravated rape is the “unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant,” accompanied by any of the following conditions:

• Force or coercion
• Bodily injury to the victim
• The defendant is helped by another person to use force or coercion to commit the sexual crime, or the defendant knows or should have known that the victim is physically or mentally disabled

 Aggravated rape carries a sentence of 15-60 years and a maximum fine of $50,000. You will also expect a life sentence of parole or probation.

Date Rape Incident at the University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee (UT) has a strict policy prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating, domestic violence, and stalking. If a victim decides to pursue criminal action, UT will get law enforcement involved.

In a recent year, a University of Tennessee student reported being drugged and raped, along with her roommate at an on-campus fraternity house. Both roommates and a male longtime friend attended a formal together.

The roommates have no memory of the dance but do remember having a few drinks at the fraternity house prior to the formal. The next thing the victim remembers is waking up the next morning in a different room, completely naked, without her cell phone. Later on, the accused admitted to raping the victim and her roommate.

The complexity of any sexual encounter cannot be overlooked, and the state bases its charges on only hearing one side of the story, even when the charges are unsubstantiated.

A sex crimes defense lawyer knows that each situation is complex and each person plays a part in how an event unfolds. If you are facing sex crime charges, you need a Knox County, TN, sex crimes defense lawyer who will know how to defend such charges.

Why Wait? Contact our Knoxville, TN, Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

A date rape conviction can permanently ruin your reputation. Our Knox County, TN, sex crimes defense lawyer knows how to investigate and uncover the truth surrounding the allegations against you. Contact Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney today online or by calling 865-281-1000 to schedule your free consultation.