AGGRESSIVELY PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

DEFENDING YOU AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT ACCUSATIONS

Throughout the years, defenses against sex crimes charges have changed. Modern rape shield laws protect victims from the kind of embarrassment that was used in the past to discredit the accuser with allegations of promiscuity. In other words, promiscuity of the victim cannot be used as a defense except under very limited circumstances.

POTENTIAL DEFENSE STRATEGIES

Consent is still a defense in a sexual assault case. But a teenager may not have the capacity to consent under the law, which is when statutory rape charges may be filed. However, two young people close in age that do consent may be able to fight these charges. This is commonly known as the “Romeo and Juliet” defense. If the charges are not dismissed, then they can be reduced.

DNA tests may provide a defense and provide evidence that no crime occurred or that the alleged perpetrator did not actually do it.

PENALTIES VARY

If a defendant is found guilty of sexual assault, the penalties can vary. Aggravating or mitigating factors that are highly fact specific can increase or reduce the criminal sentence. But generally prison time, community supervision and fines are possible.

One of the most severe aspects, however, is the registration as a sex offender that can affect a person for the rest of their life, whether the act was consensual or not.

From initial hearings to trial, it is important to have an experienced attorney defending your position. To speak with just such a trial attorney with 19 years of criminal law experience call 612-915-0355 or send an email. A case evaluation is of no charge and does not carry any obligation.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR FREEDOM TO CHANCE.

CALL YOUR LOCAL ATTORNEY RIVERS LAW FIRM, P.A. AT 612-915-0355 FOR A NO-CHARGE, NO-OBLIGATION CASE EVALUATION.

CHOOSE WISELY

CHOOSE BRUCE.

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