Being charged with rape or any other form of sexual assault is a serious matter. Given that the charge seemed to come out of nowhere, the accused party may have no idea of how to go about responding to the charges. Choosing to engage the services of sexual abuse attorneys is the first step in preparing a viable defense. Here is what the attorney will do for the client.
Assessing the Nature of the Charges
One of the first things that most sexual abuse attorneys do is obtain all the documentation available regarding the purported abuse. That includes any statement made to police, the actual arrest order, and any other information provided by those who have some interest in the case. The goal is to determine how consistent those accounts happen to be. In many cases, the attorney will identify discrepancies that deserve some further examination.
Getting the Client’s Side of the Story
There is the need to respond to every point made in the allegations. That will mean getting the client’s take on what took place. For example, if the claim of abuse is filed by another adult, does the client affirm that the activity was consensual? In the event the charges involve abuse of a minor, were there times when the client was alone with the individual? What happened during those periods? As the client relates the series of events, the attorney may pick up on something that means little to the client at the time but could provide access to data that ultimately refutes some or part of the charges.
Discussing Options with the Client
Depending on the weight of evidence and the information that the client shares with the attorney, there is more than one possible outcome. When the client maintains innocence, going to court may be the only option. In some cases, it may be possible to settle the matter out of court without confirming the accuracy of the allegations. If there is truth to the allegations and the opposing counsel offers some sort of plea deal, it is worth considering in order to secure a shorter sentence.
There is no need to face charges of sexual abuse alone and hope for the best. Visit today and consult an attorney to ensure that your rights of the client are protected every step of the way. You can also follow them on Twitter for more updates.
