Westport Rape Lawyer
If you are facing accusations of rape, seeking assistance from an experienced sex crimes attorney could help you protect your best interests both in and out of court. A capable Westport rape lawyer could provide invaluable guidance and advocate tirelessly on your behalf from the initial law enforcement investigation to the final verdict from a jury or judge.
How Do State Courts Prosecute Rape Allegations?
The criminal offense colloquially referred to as “rape” is generally prosecuted under one of two statutes depending on the circumstances. More commonly, rape allegations result in charges under Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) §53a-70 for Sexual Assault in the First Degree, which covers the following criminal acts:
- Using or threatening physical violence to force someone else to engage in sexual intercourse;
- Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone too mentally incapacitated to be able to consent to sex;
- Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person under 13, as someone at least two years older than that person; and
- Committing second-degree sexual assault as defined by G.S. §53a-71, with aid from two or other people who are physically present during the assault.
This offense is a Class B felony punishable by between one and 20 years in prison—two years of which may not be reduced or suspended for any reason. However, if the non-consenting party is under 16 years old, prosecutors would classify the offense as a Class A felony, which could result in a minimum non-suspendable five-to-ten-year sentence, depending on whether the alleged victim was under ten years old.
If someone commits first-degree sexual assault and, in doing so, uses or threatens the use of a deadly weapon, intentionally causes permanent disfigurement or physical injury, has aid from two or more other individuals, or displays “extreme indifference to human life,” they may be charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree under C.G.S. §53a-70a. As a Westport rape attorney could affirm, this offense carries longer mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction, with up to 20 years being non-suspendable in extreme cases.
What are Possible Defenses for Rape Charges in Westport?
The process of fighting rape allegations in Connecticut is legally complex, especially since so many cases revolve around subjective testimony in addition to forensic and documentary evidence. Because of this, what a person accused of a rape offense says and does while under investigation and during prosecution can significantly impact the outcome of their case; any poorly worded statement or private conversation could be used against them in court.
Representation from a skilled local attorney may be crucial to avoiding this kind of inadvertent self-incrimination following a rape accusation. A seasoned legal professional could help review potential statements with an accused person and ensure they do not provide unnecessary or inaccurate information to investigators. Additionally, a legal team member could interact with authorities and negotiate for a favorable case resolution on an alleged defendant’s behalf.
Speak with a Westport Rape Attorney About Your Legal Options
Rape allegations can disrupt every part of your life long before your day in court. If that day comes and ends with a guilty verdict, the criminal sanctions you may face often outweigh any personal or professional repercussions outside the courtroom. However, you have the right to retain counsel and defend yourself in court in such a situation.
A Westport rape lawyer’s guidance could be essential in effectively enforcing your rights and proactively pursuing a favorable case result. Click here to read our five-star reviews left by past clients on Avvo.com, and call Mark Sherman Law today to schedule a private consultation.