Date Rape

Date Rape involves the act of rape in which the victim has a casual or pre-existing relationship with the offender such as a dating relationship. It is important to remember that even if you had a prior sexual relationship with the victim, you can still be accused of date rape if the victim says that there was non-consensual sex on even one occasion.

Many people mistakenly believe that the police will not investigate an allegation of date rape where the individuals have a prior sexual relationship. Many people also mistakenly believe they cannot be convicted if there is no DNA evidence or other evidence corroborating the victim's accusation. This is not true. You can be convicted when the only evidence is the victim's word.

When charged with a sex crime, the mere accusation of the crime can have a devastating effect on your life, including serious harm to your reputation, career and personal relationships. A sex crime conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. If convicted, you can face a lifetime registration as a sex offender and severe criminal penalties. Regardless of the severity or circumstances of your offense, your sex offender registration becomes public record, and your neighbors and employers will be able to see this identification indefinitely.

Sex crime charges generally pit the word of the accused against the word of the victim. Do not be tempted to plead guilty early in these cases. Instead, you should plan an strong defense that will overwhelm the prosecution.

Physical evidence may be available immediately after the alleged act. This evidence can be used in your defense if you obtain an effective defense team immediately.

Sexual defense is different from other areas of criminal law and requires very specific techniques and experience. An effective defense team often employs psychologists, medical experts, private investigators and an attorney with the expertise to use these tools in the most effective manner.

One defense strategy is to deny that the alleged sexual act occurred in the first place or that the sexual act did not involve the defendant. DNA and other forensic evidence may be used to support this defense. Another strategy is to argue that the act was consensual. This requires skilled argumentation by your attorney and may depend strongly on the use of psychologists, character witnesses and expert private investigation services.

Carabin Shaw attorneys are determined to gather the resources necessary to create the most favorable outcome possible for their clients and have a track record of generating those results. They grew frustrated with the fact that thousands of people still suffer life-altering consequences because they do not have the ability to mount an adequate defense.

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