The Consequences of a Rape Conviction Are Severe
First, we cannot stress the importance of mounting a vigorous defense. Date rape complaints can and will destroy your reputation. Even worse, they can result in the loss of your freedom and liability in a civil lawsuit. The consequences of not defending yourself can be severe. Rape can bring a prison sentence of up to eight years, and probation is rarely an option after a conviction. In addition, you would need to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life.
Date rape does not have to be two people meeting each other online or at a bar. It can also include instances in which one person sexually assaults someone else whom they know. In other words, date rape encompasses most situations other than when a stranger allegedly commits rape. This is important when it comes to your defense.
You Must Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney
The most important thing to know is that you cannot defend yourself from a date rape complaint on your own. You need an attorney to advise you and help you fight the charges. You may be tempted to try to clear your name on your own, but your efforts could actually increase your legal jeopardy. An attorney could help you develop a legal strategy for date rape defenses.
You must understand the gravity of date rape complaints. Once someone has made the allegation, it will not go away on its own. Law enforcement will need to fully investigate the claims. Until they decide not to press charges, you will be subject to an immense amount of pressure until the matter is resolved. In the meantime, if word of the complaint gets out, your reputation will suffer. While you are innocent until proven guilty in the criminal arena, people will tend to convict you in the court of public opinion.
Until they decide not to press charges, you will be subject to an immense amount of pressure until the matter is resolved.
With that in mind, you need to brace yourself for what is coming. Being the subject of a date rape investigation is about as emotionally grueling as it gets. Everything about your life could be subject to scrutiny as investigators look for any evidence that they could find to form the basis of charges. This could be even worse if an acquaintance is the one alleging rape.
Date Rape Defense Attorney
You are not without options in defending against a date rape complaint. Working with your sex crimes defense attorney, you could use the following date rape defenses:
- Alibi – You were not where you have been alleged to be, or someone else was with you when the rape was supposed to occur.
- Character witnesses – Your attorney could present the testimony of numerous character witnesses who state that you could not have committed the crime. This alone would not exonerate you, but it could sway law enforcement when it is a close case.
- Attack the evidence – Law enforcement may claim that it has DNA evidence that proves the case. However, you could cast doubt on the integrity and handling of the evidence.
- The encounter was consensual – You could present testimony and evidence to show that what happened was agreed to by two consenting adults. This could include text messages between you and the accuser or witness testimony.
- Demonstrate your relationship with the accuser – One date rape defense could show the nature of the relationship with the accuser. While each encounter stands on its own, you could demonstrate a sexual history between you and the accuser.
You can take comfort in knowing that law enforcement needs to prove its case beyond a reasonable date in order to convict you. You have legal rights and protections to fight back against false charges. In the meantime, that is little solace for someone dealing with a date rape complaint. The good news is that you do not need to go through the legal process alone. Your attorney would vigorously defend you and work with you to obtain the best legal outcome in your case.
The type of defense that you use would depend on the situation. Date rape is a very sensitive situation, and you need to be careful about the tone and level of aggressiveness that you use when dealing with a date rape complaint. There are times when it makes sense to be very aggressive. On the other hand, some situations call for delicacy because the accuser often elicits sympathy from law enforcement. Your lawyer will know what the situation requires and what steps to take to defend you.
Your lawyer will know what the situation requires and what steps to take to defend you.
In the meantime, make sure to stay away from the accuser and not contact them. Try to resist the urge to convince them of your innocence and drop the complaint. Usually, nothing good comes from that. In addition, silence is your best bet. Do not talk about the allegations to people or post about them on social media. There will come a time and place to talk, but it is not when you are facing an active date rape complaint.
Los Angeles Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
At the LibertyBell Law Group, we give you honest and straightforward legal advice delivered in a judgment-free zone. We understand what you are facing, and we believe that everyone deserves a vigorous legal defense. Call us today at (855) 529-7761 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Oftentimes, your first conversation with an attorney could give you peace of mind in knowing that you are not alone.
Gina Tennen
Founder
At A Glance
- Expert legal strategist.
- Experienced in both prosecution and defense.
- Relentless fighter for her clients with results to prove it.
- Received the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award
- Featured in Time Magazine’s “Leaders of Criminal Defense” in the 100 Most Influential People edition.
Executive Managing Attorney Gina Tennen is a renowned leading advocate of personal liberties. Her meticulous trial preparation and exceptional ability to pursue every possible defense has earned her the admiration of clients and respect from prosecutors, judges, and other criminal attorneys all over the nation.
Lawyer Tennen began her career as a Senior Law Clerk for one of the toughest District Attorney’s offices in the country where she gained remarkable experience in juvenile crimes, elder abuse, parole hearings, child abuse, sex and other serious crimes. Her experience at the District Attorney’s Office armed her knowledge and case strategy in exploiting the other side’s weaknesses for the client’s advantage and building a rock solid defense. Criminal attorney Tennen’s experience on both sides and brilliant maneuvering throughout is evidenced in her winning track record. In fact, even before earning her law degree, she was instrumental in getting excellent results on several criminal cases outshining her peers.
A consummate strategist and top criminal attorney, lawyer Tennen works tirelessly on many high profile criminal cases. She is known as a relentless fighter who never gives up on any case. Whether the case is hers or handled by another criminal defense attorney from LibertyBell Law Group, no matter how small the case may seem she asserts that every client deserves the right to the best legal representation.
It is her deep belief and what she has built her entire career and lifelong dedication to that there is always hope for every client and every avenue should be pursued regardless of the time and energy it takes. For criminal attorney, Gina Tennen, devoting the finest criminal defense for clients is a habit and talent that you must apply and do all the time.
You demand the best defense. Take hold of your life and speak to our defense attorneys by calling 855-LAW-PRO1 (855-529-7761) now.
Founder Gina Tennen and all the sex offender attorneys at LibertyBell Law Group uphold that when the bell rings, it rings for life and liberty for all.
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