Having to deal with the stress of a date rape case is a grave and heavy burden. If such allegations have fallen on you or your loved one’s shoulders, get in touch with one of our competent rape attorneys right away to safeguard your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
Our team of St. Petersburg date rape lawyers can provide sound legal guidance and also offer moral assistance and understanding at a difficult hour. We have extensive litigation experience and have often taken on challenging cases in which we succeeded.
In Florida, date rape is the same as sexual battery. This crime is a form of sexual intercourse that happens without the victim’s consent and in a situation where both parties are acquainted, often by dating or at a public event. Regardless of the relationship, Florida treats date rape allegations as seriously as if the people involved knew one another or were even partners.
Florida Statute ยง 794.011 regulates sexual battery, with punishment ranging from a second-degree felony to life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances of the case, such as the presence of a weapon or the victim’s age. A St. Petersburg attorney with experience in date rape cases can help craft a defense for someone facing allegations.
The first step in crafting a defense is for a St. Petersburg lawyer to evaluate the facts of the date rape case comprehensively. The defense reviews the events that occurred up to the date of the alleged crime. The legal team then assesses the available evidence and aims to identify any contradictions on the prosecution’s side.
The defense in a date rape case largely depends on reliable pieces of evidence and solid witnesses. The former refers to electronic communication between the alleged victim and the defendant. The defense may provide witnesses who could explain the relationships existing between the parties involved and the events that happened.
The defense could also try to challenge the evidence submitted by the prosecution. That means questioning the investigative results, witness statements, and administrative biases driving the investigation.
A date rape conviction will not only entail legal penalties, but it will also require someone to register with their local authorities as a sex offender. This may limit where the person can live and work and may affect their privacy rights. Secondly, their relationships may suffer, and the social stigmatization could be lifelong and devastating. To avoid a date rape conviction, it is important to speak with a defense attorney in St. Petersburg regarding the case.
Our team of attorneys understands the intense psychological and emotional implications upon the accused and could assist by providing emotional support, stress management, public relations management, and family support. It is important to handle media attention and public perception accordingly, especially for high-profile cases. The lawyers can help create statements and manage the information released to the public.
If someone is found guilty, the legal team could file an appeal based on legal errors or new evidence. A solid appeal requires a deep understanding of appellate law and a careful review of the trial record.
If someone has been acquitted or the charges were dismissed, the legal team can work to expunge or seal the criminal record. It is important to restore their reputation and lessen the long-term effects of the allegations.
If you are accused of date rape, it is important to consult a knowledgeable and compassionate criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our St. Petersburg date rape lawyers will fight for your rights and offer the legal and emotional assistance you will need in the following weeks and months.
No matter what the charges are, a qualified lawyer may assist you in having the charges dismissed and your reputation restored. Call us to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.