Building a DC Statutory Rape Defense

If someone is facing allegations of statutory rape, meaning facing allegations that the person has been charged with child sexual abuse or sexual abuse against a minor, then they will definitely benefit from an experienced attorney. The person needs an attorney who is experienced specifically with DC sex offense crimes.

If you are facing charges, reach out to a skilled defense attorney with experience in order to begin building a strong DC statutory rape defense.

Strategy for Building a Case

Lawyers who represent individuals accused of statutory rape or any kind of sexual abuse of a minor understand just how difficult these cases are to investigate and to take to trial.

The accusations made by minors often lack details. They are frequently inconsistent about the way they remember certain things and certain events. Minors often have a difficult time remembering dates and can sometimes forget what people look like or where certain things happen. These are all things to keep in mind when building a DC statutory rape defense.

In a DC statutory rape defense, it is important to understand the way children remember things and the way they convey information because this will help a challenge the evidence against the accused, as well as challenge the government’s ability to actually be able to prove that a crime was committed.

Challenging the Evidence

Children can sometimes be subject to peer pressures, or have motivations that are difficult to understand. Because the criminal justice system is mostly comprised of adults — judges, prosecutors, defendants, lawyers — understanding the children involved, understanding the way that these accusations are investigated and understanding how evidence is collected in cases and allegations of child sexual abuse can serve as the best source of information.

The best approach to challenging that evidence is understanding how it is collected and how it is presented. Conducting a thorough investigation of possible witnesses including possible adult or child witnesses and being able to effectively question a child witness is essential when preparing for a trial.

Qualities of a Strong Attorney

When it comes to building a DC statutory rape defense, anyone facing these charges needs a person who has handled these cases before, understands the law, and understands how best to defend against them. 

A person facing these kinds of charges is subject to social stigma attached to them, potential demonization in the media. In addition, they may face rejection by friends and family, as these kinds of charges can lead to a significant amount of judgment sometimes by the people they know the best and are closest to: neighbors, friends, and family.

Having an attorney who is not only experienced but who is also free of that kind of judgment and free of the attitude that can subject a person to isolation, can make it that much easier to address these accusations head on. 

Having an attorney who is not only legally experienced but who an individual feels on their side can make it that much easier to address the allegations, make it through the case and push forward to the best possible result.