Serving Sacramento County and Beyond Rape

We represent good people who find themselves, on occasion, on the wrong side of the law. We have extensive trial experience and are proven litigators. We have handled every type of criminal case from A to Z.

Play Video

Step 1: The Arrest

Don’t let the police take advantage of you while you’re in custody. Call Walsh Law right away, and we’ll get to work protecting your rights so you don’t inadvertently self-incriminate.
Step 2: The Arraignment

Walsh Law is an aggressive Folsom criminal defense firm that can argue for reasonable bail and help you await the end of your case from the comfort of your home.
Step 3: Pre-Trial Hearings

We’ll evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence and inconsistencies, and do our due diligence to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.

El Dorado Hills Rape Defense Attorney

Facing Rape Allegations? We Can Defend You.

If you or a loved one has been accused of rape in El Dorado Hills, CA, the situation is serious and requires immediate legal attention. A rape conviction can lead to severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong consequences. At Walsh Law, we understand that being accused of a sex crime can be devastating—and we are here to provide aggressive, discreet, and skilled legal defense.

Contact an experienced El Dorado Hills rape defense laywer at (916) 610-3558 today to protect your future and your rights.

Continue Reading Read Less

Values You Can Relate To

Our Client Testimonials

“I have permanently added him to my contacts for any future needs. THANK YOU CHRIS!!”
“I am always able to get ahold of him directly either by cell or text including after hours and if for some reason he isn’t immediately available, he responds as soon as he can.”

- Melissa C.
“Mr Walsh is the very best!!”
“He was compassionate and explained to me what to expect in an easy way for me to understand. He was straightforward and delivered on what he said he could do for me!”

- Claudia H.
“I would like to thank Chris for helping me achieve a better deal.”
“I was in a bit of a situation and public defenders weren’t doing anything to help my case as if they didn’t have time. Which they don’t, but Chris Walsh did and came up with a few methods to fight my case.”

- Dewan P.

What is Rape?

Under California Penal Code § 261, rape is defined as non-consensual sexual intercourse accomplished through force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate bodily injury. The law also recognizes rape under various circumstances, including:

When the victim is unconscious or asleep
When the victim is intoxicated and unable to resist
When the victim is mentally or physically incapacitated
When the perpetrator uses fraud or misrepresentation
When the victim is underage and incapable of giving legal consent

California law places a strong emphasis on consent, and a lack of explicit, affirmative consent can form the basis of a rape charge—even if the accused believed the act was consensual. These complexities make it critical to have an attorney who understands the nuances of California rape laws.

Call (916) 610-3558 or contact us online today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Penalties for Rape in California

Rape is a felony offense in California and carries harsh penalties. If convicted, you could face:

State prison sentence of 3, 6, or 8 years
Up to 11 years if the victim sustained significant bodily injury
Additional penalties if the victim is a minor
Mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under California’s Sex Offender Registration Act
A permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and civil rights

If there are aggravating circumstances—such as the use of a weapon, multiple perpetrators, or prior convictions—the penalties may be enhanced under California’s sentencing guidelines.

In some cases, prosecutors may file additional charges such as false imprisonment, sexual battery, or lewd acts with a minor, which can lead to even more severe consequences.

Legal Defenses to Rape Charges

Every rape case is different, and an experienced El Dorado Hills rape defense attorney will carefully examine the evidence, police reports, and witness statements to develop the most effective defense strategy. Some common legal defenses include:

Consent: One of the most common defenses to a rape charge is that the alleged victim consented to the sexual activity. In some situations, the evidence may support that the encounter was consensual despite later regret or misinterpretation.
False Accusation: Unfortunately, false allegations do occur—whether out of revenge, anger, or misunderstanding. We work to uncover inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements, motives, and timelines to expose the truth.
Mistaken Identity: DNA evidence or video surveillance may be used to demonstrate that the accused was not the perpetrator. Eyewitness misidentification is a known issue in criminal cases, especially in stressful situations.
Lack of Evidence: Rape cases often rely heavily on he-said, she-said testimony. If the prosecution lacks sufficient physical evidence or if there are holes in the timeline, your attorney may argue there is reasonable doubt.
Police Misconduct or Investigation Errors: If law enforcement failed to follow proper procedures—such as obtaining a warrant, mishandling evidence, or coercing a confession—your attorney may file a motion to suppress the tainted evidence.

FAQs About Rape Charges in El Dorado Hills, CA

What should I do if I’m accused of rape in El Dorado Hills?

Do not speak to the police without an attorney. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can be used against you. At Walsh Law, we offer confidential consultations to help you understand your options.

Can I be charged with rape even if the alleged victim didn’t resist?

Yes. California law focuses on affirmative consent. Lack of resistance does not imply consent. The prosecution only needs to prove that the sexual act occurred without valid consent.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?

Yes. A rape conviction in California requires mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Penal Code § 290. This can affect where you live, work, and travel.

Is it possible to have rape charges reduced or dismissed?

Yes, depending on the circumstances. Your attorney may be able to negotiate for reduced charges such as sexual battery or seek a dismissal based on insufficient evidence. Each case must be evaluated individually.

What if the alleged victim is lying?

False accusations do happen. Your attorney can investigate the motives behind the accusation, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence that contradicts the accuser’s claims.

Contact an El Dorado Hills Rape Defense Lawyer Today

At Walsh Law, we are committed to defending those accused of serious crimes in El Dorado Hills, including rape and other sex offenses. We bring:

Extensive experience handling complex criminal cases
Aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case
Confidential and nonjudgmental representation
A deep understanding of California sex crime laws
A proven track record of successfully reducing or dismissing charges

We understand the devastating impact these charges can have on your life, your family, and your reputation. That’s why we work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Continue Reading Read Less

Meet Our Team

We know it’s easy to get swept up with emotions and confusion in the aftermath of being charged with a crime. That’s why our Folsom criminal defense attorneys aim to shoulder as much of the burden as we can, providing reassurance plus honest insight and advice where you need it.

Learn More About Us

Why Walsh Law?

Walsh Law’s mission is to be the gold standard of criminal defense by providing superior legal advocacy in the face of potentially life-changing consequences.

Chris Walsh is a former prosecutor, so we know what you’re up against when you face criminal charges. Now, clients like you get to benefit from what we’ve learned in our careers and how we apply what we know to get the results you’re after.

Reach Out For a Free Consultation

Protect Your Future

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Walsh Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Authenticity
White-glove service with a healthy dose of blue-collar attitude. We're straight shooters driven by our strong fighting spirit to prevail.
Determination
It's the hallmark of our style of practice. We'll contest every case as far as necessary, are laser-focused on getting results, and we'll press on even if the going gets tough.
Excellence
We strive to achieve the best results possible but are never satisfied with just that. We constantly seek opportunities for improvement and follow through to get better.
Intelligence
We work smart and hard. We know the intricacies of the law and won't miss a chance to jump on a case's weak spots. Our strengths lie in skillfully sifting through case details to identify what's most important to a jury and presenting the facts persuasively.
Quality
We take pride in what we do and our record of results. No matter what our clients are going through, we're committed to protecting their rights and acting in their best interest.