Tacoma Rape Defense Attorney

Rape charges in Tacoma are among the most serious a person can face. A conviction carries mandatory prison time under Washington’s sentencing laws and has lifelong consequences for housing and employment. In many cases, the accusation alone is enough to cost someone their job and reputation, and prosecutors in Pierce County aggressively pursue these cases. 

The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz has defended Tacoma residents against rape and sex crime charges for decades. Mark Treyz’s background as a former deputy prosecutor gives him a working understanding of how the state approaches these cases, from the initial police interview through trial. The earlier you begin your defense, the more options you have, so call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Tacoma Defendants Choose The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz

• A rape accusation can damage your reputation before any evidence is presented. Every conversation with The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz is confidential, and Mark works to limit public exposure wherever the law permits.

• You may face a no-contact order, loss of firearm rights, and restrictions on your residence and employment. Mark addresses these issues from the outset, helping to prevent a pending charge from disrupting your life before your court appearance.

• Mark has practiced in Tacoma Municipal Court and the Pierce County Superior Court for decades. He knows the judges, local procedures, and how sex offense cases are handled in this jurisdiction.

The Importance of Skilled Defense Counsel in Sex Crime Cases

Rape prosecutions differ from most other criminal cases. Often, there are no third-party witnesses, and the case may come down to one person’s word against another’s. Prosecutors rely on forensic evidence, digital communications, and statements made during police interviews to fill that gap, and any of these can be misinterpreted or obtained improperly. 

A Tacoma rape defense attorney who understands how these cases are built can identify these problems early. They will challenge any unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence before trial, preventing a weak accusation from becoming a conviction. If your case goes to court, your rape defense attorney in Tacoma will cross-examine the accuser and the state’s witnesses, present evidence supporting your account, and hold prosecutors to their burden of proving every element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Rape Charges Under Washington Law: Degrees and Definitions

Washington divides rape into three degrees under Chapter 9A.44 RCW. Each is defined by the circumstances of the alleged act and the relationship between the parties:

• Rape in the First Degree (RCW 9A.44.040): This charge applies when sexual intercourse is accomplished by forcible compulsion and an additional aggravating factor is present. Aggravating factors include using or threatening to use a deadly weapon, kidnapping the alleged victim, inflicting serious physical injury, or feloniously entering a building or vehicle where the alleged victim is located.

• Rape in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.44.050): This charge covers sexual intercourse committed by forcible compulsion without an aggravating factor. It also applies when the alleged victim was incapable of consent due to physical helplessness or mental incapacity, and to certain situations involving caregivers, health care providers, and other positions of trust.

• Rape in the Third Degree (RCW 9A.44.060): This charge applies when the alleged victim did not consent, but the circumstances do not constitute first- or second-degree rape. It also covers sexual intercourse obtained by threatening substantial unlawful harm to the alleged victim’s property.

Penalties and Sentencing for Rape Convictions in Washington

The degree of the rape charge determines the sentencing range you face if convicted. Rape in the first and second degrees are Class A felonies, punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Both are also subject to indeterminate sentencing under RCW 9.94A.507, which means the court sets a minimum term and the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board decides when, or whether, you are released. Rape in the third degree is a Class C felony with a maximum sentence of five years and a fine of up to $10,000. 

Are You Required to Register as a Sex Offender After a Rape Conviction?

Prison is only part of the picture, however. RCW 9A.44.130 requires anyone convicted of rape in any degree to register as a sex offender with the sheriff in the county where they live. Under RCW 9A.44.140, the registration period lasts indefinitely for Class A felonies, 15 years for Class B, and 10 years for Class C. 

Registration affects where you can live, the jobs you can hold, and whether your name appears in public databases. A Tacoma rape defense attorney can work to avoid a conviction, negotiate a reduced charge with a shorter registration period, or petition the court for relief from registration once you become eligible.

What to Do (and Not Do) If You Are Under Investigation for Rape

Your actions during a rape investigation can shape the case for months to come. To protect your rights, take the following steps:

• Contact a Tacoma rape defense attorney as soon as you learn you are being investigated.
• Preserve text messages, call logs, emails, and social media activity related to the accuser.
• Write down your own account of events while your memory is fresh, and share it only with your attorney.
• Comply with any court orders, including no-contact orders, even if you believe they are unjustified.

Just as important is what you avoid. Certain actions, even when well-intentioned, can be used against you or result in additional charges:

• Do not speak with police or investigators without your attorney present, even if they say you are not a suspect.
• Do not contact the accuser or ask anyone else to contact them on your behalf.
• Do not delete messages, photos, or accounts related to your case.
• Do not discuss the accusation with friends, coworkers, or on social media.

Following these steps protects your rights while your Tacoma rape defense lawyer works on your defense.

Protect Your Future with a Tacoma Rape Defense Attorney

Every day without legal representation gives the state more room to shape the case against you. The Law Offices of Mark S. Treyz represents people accused of rape in Tacoma Municipal Court and the Pierce County Superior Court, and Mark Treyz handles each case personally from the first conversation through resolution. 

If you are under investigation or have already been arrested, a Tacoma rape defense attorney can begin protecting your rights immediately. Contact our Tacoma office to arrange a free consultation and learn what your options are.