Sexual Assault

Sexual Offenses

Two persons engaged in the act of sexual intercourse; the act of intercourse was against the goodwill of the alleged victim; the two persons were not married to each other at the time of the act of sexual intercourse; and the act was accomplished by means of force, violence, duress, menace, or fear of immediate and unlawful injury to the alleged victim or another person. Rape is considered a Sex Crime. Other types of Sex Crimes include: Child Abuse, Child Enticement, Child Procurement, Child Exploitation, Date Rape, Failure to Register - Sex Offender Registration, Indecent Exposure, Internet Porn, Lewd and Lascivious Acts, Lewd Conduct, Molestation, Obscene Acts, Pandering, Pedophilia, Pimping, Child Pornography, Prostitution, Rape, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sodomy, Statutory Rape, Violation of Sex Offender Registration.

Consequences for the conviction of Rape may potentially include:

Imprisonment
Sex offender registration
Loss of the right to vote
Loss of the right to own a deadly weapon
Probation or parole
Mandatory AIDS testing
Court ordered rehabilitation
Significant fines
Other

Likelihood of any of the above consequences depends upon the following factors:

Prior similar convictions
Any other prior convictions
Currently on probation or parole
Attitude of community and court toward this type of crime
Degree of media attention on case
Mitigating/aggravating circumstances
Other

Defenses of Rape may potentially include:

Consent
Insufficient evidence
Factual innocence/mistaken identity
Other

What can you do to improve the outcome of your case?

Gather documentation of your good character (reference letters, employment history, community service, etc.)
Exercise your right to remain silent
Retain qualified counsel as soon as possible
Keep a diary of all significant events and potential witnesses (this information will help your attorney prepare the best possible defense)
DO NOT investigate your own case

What can we do to help?

Early preparation, including legal research and defense identification
Early investigation and identification of all facts helpful to your defense
Interview police to minimize or eliminate the case
Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate the case
Interview all witnesses
Reduce or eliminate bail requirements
Provide emotional support to loved ones and ensure that they are continually updated as to the status of your case
In appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
Obtain an evaluation report from a court approved psychologist (to show counseling may be a better alternative to jail)
Coordinate a private lie detector test
Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence

If you are charged with a sexual crime in the Federal, State, Juvenile or Military Court Jurisdiction, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers for a free consultation.

If you or a family member has need of a criminal defense attorney anywhere in the United States, please email or call Jacoby & Meyers to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at 1-800-411-4LAW.

Jacoby

Jacoby & Meyers has offices and attorneys throughout the United States, with regional offices in Southern California, and New York.