IDSI: Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse

It is likely you have never heard the phrase involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, or IDSI. It is not the same thing as rape, thought it sounds that way. Rape is usually charged when an offense involves vaginal penetration. IDSI is usually charged when an offense involves oral or anal penetration. The word deviate refers to this distinction.

IDSI is also charged when the victim is 15 or younger and the defendant is at least four years older. Penalties increase when the victim is 12 or younger or when serious physical harm is involved.

Like rape, IDSI is a first-degree felony, placing it among the most serious charges Pennsylvania can levy. Conviction can lead to a life sentence without parole. It will also cause you to be registered as a sex offender wherever you go, a process you will find extremely humiliating and frustrating. For all these reasons, you must take these charges very seriously.

Choose Your Criminal Defense Lawyer Wisely

At Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, we are not in the business of judging. Our attorneys understand that these charges make a person feel hopeless and depressed. The “court of public opinion” is a nasty place, where many assume a person accused of a sexual offense is guilty until proven innocent. We urge you to overcome the feelings of shame and mount an effective defense to protect you and those who care about you.

Our lawyers will work to refocus away from the nature of the criminal charges and the prejudicial feelings people have about sex crimes and focus instead on the fact that charges are just that — unproven accusations. Your case will be won or lost on the credibility of evidence and of testimony against you. We do not have to prove you are innocent — only that the evidence is insufficient to convict.

We want to hear your side of the story, in English or Spanish. Call our West Chester offices to schedule a confidential consultation at 610-314-7066. Or email us your questions.