Rape Investigations in Ridgefield
While there is generally little you can do to stop rape investigations in Ridgefield from happening, you still have legal rights while this process is ongoing, the most important of which is the right to legal counsel. An experienced rape lawyer could keep you informed and work to protect your best interests every step of the way.
How Does a Rape Investigation Start?
A police department will begin a rape investigation after a credible allegation is made. The police may then spend time investigating before applying for an arrest warrant. During this time, they will be gathering evidence to try to establish probable cause to make an arrest. Even before an arrest, a defense attorney can help you understand what is going on, can explain the charges you may face to you, and can work with the police to bring exculpatory information to their attention.
If you’re curious about the different kinds of sex assault charges in Connecticut, click here to learn more.
How is Evidence Collected?
In addition to setting up basic procedures for medical practitioners collecting biological evidence of alleged rape, Connecticut General Statutes §19a-112a establishes a Commission that oversees how evidence is collected during sexual assault investigations in the state of Connecticut. Among other duties, this Commission is responsible for publishing and, if necessary, revising a set of guidelines regarding the “Health Care Response to Victims of Sexual Assault.”
Under the 2017 variant of these guidelines, the health care provider(s) conducting medical exams of alleged rape victims are generally the only ones allowed in the room with the patient while the examination is ongoing, with the potential exceptions of sexual assault advocates and close family members or friends if the patient wants them to be present. Depending on the circumstances, the health care provider(s) may swab the patient’s mouth, fingernails, pubic and/or genital area, and various other body parts for DNA evidence, which will then be compared with the patient’s DNA taken from a prior blood sample.
Medical examiners may also collect the patient’s clothing and other debris for DNA sampling, as well as blood or urine samples to detect the presence of inhibiting substances. All this evidence of a possible rape or sexual assault would then be passed on to Ridgefield law enforcement for further investigation.
What Types of Evidence Do Investigators Look For?
In addition to biological evidence obtained by medical personnel, members of law enforcement may also examine the scene of an alleged rape for comparable DNA evidence, as well as for forensic evidence indicating that a sexual encounter occurred and/or that it was nonconsensual. They may also subpoena documentary evidence like cell phone records, electronic message logs, and other private communications if they believe it would be pertinent to proving whether—and if so, how and when—an alleged rape occurred.
However, the primary focus of rape investigation in Ridgefield is often multiple interviews with both the alleged target and the alleged perpetrator, as well as with witnesses who either witnessed the alleged act or saw the involved parties immediately before or after the act allegedly occurred. It is almost never a good idea for individuals accused of rape to attend these interviews without legal counsel present, as anything they say directly to a police officer—or even within earshot of one—could be used against them in court if the investigation leads to criminal charges. A Ridgefield sex assault defense attorney can help you be cooperative with law enforcement while also not offering up any information that could later be used against you.
Legal Representation Can Be Important During Ridgefield Rape Investigations
An experienced sexual assault attorney could stand by your side from start to finish of a rape investigation in Ridgefield. To learn more about working with our firm, you can read our certified avvo.com reviews here. Call today to discuss your options in a private consultation.