Rancho Palos Verdes Rape Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights in the South Bay

Being accused of rape is one of the most profoundly serious allegations you can face. If you’ve been arrested, charged, or are under investigation for rape anywhere in the South Bay, your freedom, reputation, career, and personal relationships are all on the line. 

Even before a conviction, a mere accusation can lead to public judgment, loss of employment, and irreparable damage to your standing in the community. At Houlé Law, we know what's at stake and can defend you with urgency, discretion, and strategic force. 

Call (424) 667-6455 or reach us online for a confidential consultation with a Rancho Palos Verdes rape attorney at Houlé Law. We offer virtual consultations for your convenience.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney in Rape Cases

Rape allegations are notoriously complex and challenging; they demand the knowledge and experience of a trusted and proven defense lawyer. 

These cases can involve:  

• “He said, she said" scenarios. These cases often rely heavily on the testimony of the accuser and the accused. There may be no other witnesses or physical evidence, making the case a matter of credibility for the jury.
• The issue of consent. Consent is generally the central and most disputed element of the case. In California, consent must be free, voluntary, and knowledgeable, and can be withdrawn anytime. The legal definition of consent can be a nuanced and complex point of contention.
• False accusations. While statistically rare, false accusations do occur, often stemming from jealousy, revenge, or other ulterior motives. Proving a false accusation requires a meticulous and thorough investigation.
• Delayed reporting. Victims of sexual assault may delay reporting the crime for a variety of reasons, including shame, fear, or confusion. While this is understandable, such a delay may be used to question the accuser's credibility.

How Houlé Law Can Defend You

Our firm has over 25 years of legal experience that can be put to work on your behalf. Attorney Lisa Houlé is a former Los Angeles County prosecutor who spent years handling serious felonies, including those involving alleged rape and other sex crimes. She understands how prosecutors build cases and uses this insider knowledge to give you a tactical legal defense. 

Our firm takes the following steps in these cases: 

• We launch an immediate investigation. We do not rely on the prosecution’s evidence. We interview witnesses, analyze police reports, and preserve any digital communications supporting your version of events.
• We work to challenge the prosecution's case by scrutinizing DNA evidence, forensic reports, police procedures, and the accuser's credibility. We file motions to suppress any evidence obtained in violation of your rights. 
• We handle media exposure to protect your privacy, especially in high-profile or sensitive cases.
• We negotiate and litigate. Because of her extensive experience as both prosecutor and defense attorney, Ms. Houlé is skilled at negotiating with the district attorney’s office to potentially reduce or dismiss charges when the evidence is weak or flawed. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for an acquittal.