Facing sexual offense charges is a big deal. Charges alone can damage your reputation and a conviction can mean disaster for your future. With so much at stake, it is important that you take action to defend yourself as soon as you learn about the accusation.
Sexual assault charges can be quite difficult to defend, especially when everything boils down to a “he said, she said” situation. However, there are a number of defense strategies you can use during your trial. Here are three strategies you may want to consider depending on the specifics of your case.
Innocence
Actual innocence is always a sound defense. To this effect, you may need to provide sufficient and credible evidence to prove that you were not with your accuser when the assault in question occurred. This can be in the forms of eyewitnesses, surveillance or GPS records.
Mistaken identity
You may also argue mistaken identity. Just as with the alibi argument, you may need to support your claim with evidence. This can be in the form of DNA evidence to prove that you did not commit the crime or something else that raises reasonable doubt.
Consent
The law defines sexual assault as any sexual act that happens without the consent of one party. If the alleged accuser was of the age and mental capacity to consent to a sexual encounter and did so, then you have a valid defense. Text messages between you might help support your defense.
The emotional and legal consequences that come with a sexual assault can be overwhelming. If you are accused of a sex crime, it is important that you explore your defense options right away.