A 22-year-old man from Orlando, Florida has been accused by his ex-girlfriend of breaking into her home and then forcibly having sex with her. The accusation of rape is a very serious charge, and the 22-year-old man will face felony charges that include domestic violence sexual battery and burglary with assault.

The woman claims that her ex-boyfriend was at her door just before she was leaving for work last Friday. He was asking to see her child, which she refused. The woman then claims the man forced his way into her home before the two sat down at a table. The two talked, and soon thereafter the 22-year-old man went to the woman's bedroom.

The woman says she looked for him in the room but she was unable to find him. Then, a police report states, the 22-year-old walked behind her and committed the sexual assault.

A rape charge carries serious penalties, and if the accused is found guilty, a lengthy jail sentence could be applied. The penalties associated with the charge depend on a variety of circumstances, but in any case the prosecution will seek the maximum allowable. That is why bringing in a criminal defense attorney with experience in cases of sexual assault is an important decision. A reputable and determined lawyer can protect your civil liberties during your case and help you fight the charges against you.

Another thing to consider in cases like this is that the story is based on criminal reports, which only show one side of the story - the victim's. This point only illustrates the seriousness of a sexual assault charge. The perception of such a charge can ruin your reputation and open you up to public scrutiny, so talk things through with a legal representative to defend your side of the story.

Source: Orlando Sentinel, "Orlando man forced his way into ex-girlfriend's home, raped her, police say," Jeff Weiner, Feb. 4, 2012