Criminal Sexual Assaults can harm professional and personal relationships. A high-caliber attorney is indispensable if you want to protect your livelihood and your reputation from the consequences of a criminal sexual assault. You must know about the defense strategies for criminal sexual assault cases in California. The best criminal lawyer can guide you on the criminal sexual assault laws in California.
This article delves into the defense strategies for criminal sexual assault from a defense lawyer in CA
Defense Strategies for Criminal Sexual Assault Cases in CA
Here are some of the strategies for criminal sexual assault cases in California.
- Investigation: Once a crime is reported, both the police and your criminal defense lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the case. They will collect evidence, take a statement from the victim, and interview witnesses if necessary. The investigation may uncover evidence that supports the accused’s innocence or raises doubts about the victim’s statements. It may also involve interviewing the suspect or suspects.
- Charges and Arrest: After the police have identified a suspect, they can choose to press charges and issue a warrant for the arrest of the accused. They may also arrest the suspect immediately if caught in the act of committing a crime. Once in custody, the suspect’s personal information will be recorded, their fingerprints taken, and a mugshot will be taken. Subsequently, a bail or bond hearing may be scheduled, during which the accused may be released under certain conditions or held in a local detention facility until the trial.
- Initial Appearance: The first court appearance for the accused is not the trial; it’s called the initial appearance. During this stage, the court officially states the charges against the accused and allows them to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Following this, pretrial proceedings take place, during which the sexual assault lawyer and the prosecution exchange evidence. Both parties also have the opportunity to make motions, typically regarding whether certain evidence should be excluded.
- Trial: Both parties will have the chance to argue whether the trial should be decided by a judge alone or by a judge and jury. If a jury is involved, the process of selecting jurors will begin. Both sides will then make opening statements and present their evidence. The prosecution has the responsibility of proving that the accused committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, while the sexual assault defense lawyer only needs to show that the prosecution did not meet that burden. Following this, witnesses will testify and be cross-examined by the opposing side, and closing arguments will be made. Finally, the judge or the jury will deliberate before delivering a verdict.
- Post-Trial Motions: After a verdict is reached, both the prosecution and lawyer of sexual assault can file motions related to errors made in the trial process or legal technicalities, rather than the substance of the case. It’s important to note that a guilty verdict doesn’t necessarily mean the end of legal options. There are also appeals, where a higher court can review the case and potentially overturn the conviction or order a new trial, although this process can take a significant amount of time, potentially months or even years.
Wrapping Up
Criminal Sexual assault charges are taken very seriously in California, and if convicted, they can have a lasting impact on an offender’s life. It’s important to have a strong advocate who will work tirelessly to lessen the impact of the law on sexual assault in California. With decades of experience and a track record of success, Kareem Law APC offers the best criminal lawyers as well as expertise in civil litigation and sexual assault laws.
As a reputed sexual assault law firm, we represent the best criminal lawyer who provides exceptional service from a true expert in California sexual assault laws. This first-hand knowledge of the tactics and criminal defense strategies that prosecutors use to secure convictions provides our clients with an advantage in the legal process. Contact us at (888) 506-6519 today to begin working towards the best possible outcome.
