Similar to most sex crimes, a charge for involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (IDSI) carries relatively harsh penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. Defendants who are found guilty of this offense are not only faced with a lengthy prison term, they must also live with the embarrassment of being labeled a sexual deviate. Defendants oftentimes experience being condemned by friends, families, employers, coworkers and anyone who has access to public records for actions that they may not have even committed This is why it's important that people who are charged with this crime consult with an attorney to help them protect their rights and salvage their reputation.
For the purposes of this article, we will address (1) what actions constitute involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, (2) and the penalties that can potentially be imposed in relation to this crime.
What constitutes involuntary deviate sexual intercourse (IDSI) in Pennsylvania?
According to Pennsylvania law, a person may be charged of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse if he or she is the subject of a complaint that such intercouse was commissioned by forcible compulsion. The following actions committed by a defendant may also be considered IDSI:
- An alleged victim is prevented from protecting themselves or resisting due to a defendant's threats of force
- An alleged victim is unconscious or unaware that sexual intercourse is occurring
- An alleged victim is given impairing substances, like alcohol or drugs so a defendant can commit IDSI without resistance
- An alleged victim has a mental disability, therefore he or she is not capable of consenting
- A defendant has ISDI with someone who under the age of 16, or is for years younger and the parties are not legally wed
IDSI is very similar to rape. The only distinction is that it contains a more expansive range of acts under its definition. Acts like penetrating another person with foreign objects or sex with an animal are included under the realm of IDSI crimes.
Penalties
An IDSI charge is classified as a felony of the first degree. This is the most serious charge that one can acquire in the state of Pennsylvania. If convicted of this offense, a person is facing a penalty of imprisonment for up to 20 years and up to $25,000 in fines.
If a defendant is charged with IDSI involving a child that is under the age of 13, this sentence is elevated to a prison term of up to 40 years.
Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney
An involuntary deviate sexual intercourse offense can land you a lengthy prison term and incredibly costly fines. Not to mention, it can completely ruin your reputation and standing in your community. If you have been charged with this crime, it is crucial that you consult with an attorney, as these charges should be defended vigilantly. Our skilled legal professional Criminal Law Team has extensive experience successfully representing clients who have acquired charges for sex crimes, and we understand just how much you have at stake. Contact us today for help.
