Rape Charges in Wagoner County are come of the most serious crimes a person could face. In May of 2017, a jury found a man guilty of 14 counts of rape.  The police nicknamed the man “The Admiral Rapist” since he would pick up women on East Admiral who needed a ride. He would subsequently rape them in his car.  The man told a number of the victims that he was a police officer before they got into his car. The jury recommended a life sentence and over $130,000 of reparation to be paid out.  This article will explain more about these crimes in Oklahoma and how the law views it.

Defining Rape Charges in Oklahoma

Rape laws in Oklahoma fall under Title 21 §1111.  This statute provides three elements to the crime.  These are: force, lack of consent, and penetration.  The elements of force and penetration are rather simple to determine.  First, penetration must occur.  However, this can be from a body part of the offender (i.e. genitals, hands, etc) or it can be by an object the offender uses.  The element of force is even simpler.  In many cases, the amount of force necessary to create penetration is enough fulfill the element.  Consent is the element that most victims and offenders fight over.  Since consent is often indirect or not verbal, this becomes an issue.  But, consent in some cases is impossible to provide regardless.  This is mostly true in cases where minors or mentally challenged are the victims.

Rape Convictions and the Consequences

Convictions can have varying consequences depending on the amount of forethought, planning, and violence is involved.  For instance, if an offender is like the man above and goes out looking for a victim, then the crime is a first degree offense.  This can easily carry a life term, but has at least a minimum of 5 years imprisonment.  Second degree rape is not as stiff of a penalty.  However, it is also a felony crime and may have up to 15 years imprisonment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INDECENT EXPOSURE SEX CRIMES, SEE OUR BLOG POST.

Legal Support For Rape Charges in Wagoner

Sometimes the gray areas of the law can be an issue.  If you or someone you love if facing rape charges in Wagoner County, call our offices.  Your first consultation is free.  We highly recommend you do not fight this battle without an attorney familiar with rape charges and defense to the crime.