Sexual Assault Investigations in Connecticut
If you are being investigated or suspect you soon will be investigated for a sex offense, it is important to understand what to expect from this process and what outcomes it may have. Retaining a seasoned attorney is usually the best way to prepare for both sexual assault investigations in Connecticut and any court case that may ensue after the investigation concludes.
What Types of Evidence Will Prosecutors Look For?
Sexual assault can be a particularly complex offense to investigate, as there is often little in the way of forensic evidence regarding what actually happened. Rape kit results and DNA samples can usually confirm whether sexual contact or intercourse occurred, but absent additional physical and medical evidence, prosecutors may not be able to prove a lack of consent from the alleged victim from this information alone.
Accordingly, sexual assault investigations in Connecticut often involve a deep dive into the lives of both the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. Investigators may seek out testimony from witnesses, subpoena electronic records detailing phone and email communication between the two parties, and potentially seek out security camera footage to determine where each involved party was before, during, and after the alleged encounter.
Most importantly, investigators may conduct several rounds of interviews with both parties, during which anything either party says may be admissible in court. In light of this, it is critical for defendants to have legal counsel with them during these interviews, both to ensure they do not inadvertently harm their case and to keep investigators from coercing them or pursuing testimony in some other inappropriate manner.
How Are Investigations Handled?
For just about any criminal allegation, but especially for those involving sexual assault as defined by Connecticut General Statutes §§53a-70 through 53a-73a, defendants being investigated in Connecticut must remember that anything they say can be used against them in court. Importantly, this includes not only formal statements given to law enforcement officials and investigators, but also anything they say outside of court, including supposedly private conversations and social media posts.
While many people accused of sexual assault may understandably want to defend themselves in the public eye, it is almost never a good idea for the subject of a sexual assault investigation in Connecticut to say too much. Instead, defendants should avoid talking about their case anywhere or with anyone as much as possible, unless they have their attorney present and ready.
Discuss a Connecticut Sexual Assault Investigation with a Qualified Attorney
If you find yourself facing a sexual assault investigation in Connecticut, retaining an experienced sexual assault lawyer as soon as possible should be your top priority. Head over to avvo.com to read more about our firm’s combined decades of experience and call today to get started on your case by setting up an initial consultation.