Weston Date Rape Lawyer
Connecticut law enforcement are acting more aggressively when it comes to investigating and prosecuting accusations of date rape. With guidance and support from an experienced Weston date rape lawyer, you could build a strong defense and fight your case.
How Do State Courts Prosecute “Date Rape?”
Connecticut state law does not define “date rape” as a distinct criminal offense separate from other forms of sexual assault. Instead, when someone accuses another person of “date rape,” the accused party generally faces charges of either class A misdemeanor fourth-degree sexual assault under Connecticut General Statutes §53a-73a or class C felony second-degree sexual assault under C.G.S. §53a-71, depending on whether they allegedly engaged in sexual contact or sexual intercourse with a non-consenting individual.
What is Date Rape?
Under either statute, it is a criminal offense for someone to engage in sexual activity with someone who is physically helpless, physically and/or cognitively impaired due to intoxication from alcohol or drugs, or materially unable to consent for some other reason. Consequences upon conviction may range from a year in jail and $2,000 maximum fine for the former offense, to anywhere from one to 10 years in prison plus a $10,000 fine for the latter offense.
Likewise, if someone uses or threatens force in order to compel a partner or date into sexual contact or intercourse, they may face charges under C.G.S. §53a-72a or C.G.S. §53a-70 for third-degree or first-degree sexual assault, respectively, just as anyone who committed such an offense under any other circumstances might. It may be especially important for anyone accused of this form of date rape in Weston to seek help quickly from a qualified attorney, as maximum penalties may include up to 20 years of imprisonment.
How Can I Fight Back Against Date Rape Accusations in Weston?
Prosecution for alleged date rape can work a lot differently than other types of sexual assault cases, in large part because the allegedly impacted party may not have a clear memory of exactly what happened to them. Because of that, the outcome of the case may depend on the availability and quality of documentary and biological evidence indicating that a crime occurred, rather than testimony from witnesses and the parties allegedly involved.
Working with a skilled date rape defense lawyer in Weston could be key to preserving a defendant’s rights and collecting exculpatory evidence to support their version of events. However, they could also provide crucial assistance to ensure that the prosecution’s case does not include inadmissible evidence gathered via illegal means, and that the jury is not swayed by inconclusive or circumstantial claims.
Discuss Legal Options with a Weston Date Rape Attorney
A knowledgeable Weston date rape lawyer could stand by your side from start to finish of your case, working on your behalf to pursue the best possible resolution for you. Click here to read our certified client Avvo.com reviews! Call today to learn more.