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Disputing Philadelphia Sex Crime Accusations with a Criminal Lawyer
Getting charged with a sex crime in Philadelphia? It can feel super overwhelming and scary. But try to take a deep breath – having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can make a huge difference. Let’s break down how a good lawyer can dispute those charges and protect your rights.
Contents
Gathering the Facts
After you get charged, your Philly criminal lawyer’s first move will be getting the full story. What happened leading up to the arrest? What exactly are you accused of? They’ll want any evidence you have that can prove your innocence. Texts, emails, witnesses – anything helps.
Be 100% open and honest with your lawyer. They can’t build the best defense if they don’t know all the facts. Even if you think some details make you look bad, it’s so important to share. That stuff stays confidential under attorney-client privilege.
Investigating the Claims
Next up, your lawyer will dig into the prosecution’s evidence. They’ll file motions to get access to any police reports, victim statements, DNA tests – you name it. It’s their job to poke holes in the DA’s case.
If there are witnesses, your attorney will want to interview them too. They’ll look for inconsistencies and bias. Often the “he said she said” cases come down to witness credibility.
If the alleged victim went to the hospital, your lawyer can request medical records. They’ll check for any evidence that contradicts the accusations.
Forming a Defense Strategy
Now your lawyer has both sides of the story. Time to build your defense strategy. This depends on the specifics of your case, but here are some common options:
Fight the charges head-on. Your lawyer may argue the accusations are 100% false. If there’s no solid proof you did it, they can highlight reasonable doubt.
Consent. For sex crime charges involving an adult victim, consent is often the biggest issue. Your lawyer may argue the accuser consented, even if they changed their mind later.
Mistaken identity. Eyewitnesses make mistakes all the time. Your attorney may claim the accuser identified the wrong person.
False accusations. People sometimes lie about sexual assault for revenge, mental illness, or attention. Your lawyer can try to show the accuser has motive to fabricate.
Intoxication. If drinking or drugs were involved, your lawyer may argue you weren’t in your right mind. This can negate the intent required for conviction.
See how having an experienced Philly sex crimes attorney pays off? They know how to craft the best defense for your unique situation.
Negotiating with the Prosecutor
After doing their homework, your lawyer will meet with the prosecutor. Their goal is getting charges reduced or dismissed through plea bargaining.
Your attorney may say: “The evidence is weak here. If we go to trial, there’s a good chance my client gets acquitted. Let’s make a deal.” The DA doesn’t want to lose at trial, so they may offer a lighter sentence or lesser charges.
If you have to take a plea deal, your lawyer will fight for the best terms possible. The goal is avoiding huge fines, long jail time, and sex offender registration.
Taking It to Trial
If plea bargaining fails, your case may go to trial. Your lawyer will fight tooth and nail to win.
First comes jury selection. Your attorney will weed out biased jurors and pick people sympathetic to your defense.
Next – the trial itself. Your lawyer will aggressively cross-examine witnesses, object to evidence, and highlight every flaw in the DA’s case.
If you take the stand, your attorney will prep you to tell your story convincingly. They’ll conduct direct examination to get your side out there.
In their closing argument, your lawyer will summarize the case and explain precisely why the jury should find you “not guilty.” Their goal is instilling reasonable doubt.
Getting Your Charges Dismissed
Many sex crime cases get dismissed pre-trial. How can your lawyer make this happen?
They may file motions picking apart the DA’s evidence. If a key piece gets thrown out, the whole case can collapse.
Your attorney can also argue the charges violate your constitutional rights. For example, if the police didn’t read you Miranda rights or obtained evidence illegally.
Prosecutors sometimes realize their case is weak and drop charges before trial. A good lawyer makes them think twice about their chances.
Understanding the Consequences
If you do get convicted of a sex crime, some penalties may include:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines up to $250,000
- Probation
- Mandatory counseling
- Community service
- Sex offender registration
The specific consequences depend on the charges and your criminal history. An experienced Philly sex crimes lawyer will explain how the law applies to your unique situation. They’ll also develop a sentencing strategy to minimize penalties.
Takeaways
Being accused of a sex crime is scary. But an aggressive criminal defense attorney can make all the difference. They’ll investigate the facts, identify weaknesses in the DA’s case, negotiate with the prosecutor, and build the strongest defense. This gives you the best shot at reduced charges or dismissal.
If you do end up convicted, a skilled lawyer’s advocacy can help minimize fines, jail time and other penalties. Plus they’ll fight to protect your reputation and prevent sex offender registration.
So don’t go through this alone. Hire a seasoned Philly sex crimes lawyer to fight for your freedom and future. With an expert on your side, you can dispute those allegations and move forward with your life.