I’ve Been Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault. How Can A Tampa Criminal Lawyer Help?
Sexual assault is a very serious accusation in Florida courts; a conviction of sexual assault could turn your life upside down overnight. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, it is critical that you seek professional legal help.
The Rickman Law Firm has decades of experience in fighting sexual assault cases in Tampa and knows the legislature concerning sexual battery back and forth. Learn more about how we can help prove your innocence and fight for your justice.
Thoroughly Investigate the Accusation
A Tampa criminal lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm is an expert on sexual assault legislation, case proceedings, and consequences, and will be the go-to source of knowledge concerning your accusation. They can help you understand the charges against you and the legal implications thereof. In cases of sexual assault, legal proceedings are extremely complex, and navigating the legal process without an expert criminal defense lawyer will only hurt your case.
Once provided with both your and the prosecuting party’s evidence, or after hiring an investigator to gather evidence, your lawyer will begin a thorough, meticulous examination of how the evidence is related to the allegation.
Some of the evidence that could be gathered and reported includes, but is not limited to:
- Any materials and documents obtained from the defendant seized by the prosecution
- Any evidence gathered via the means of electronic surveillance, including but not limited to wiretapping and electronic device recordings
- Personal background from witnesses, alibis, and informants, including all persons known to the prosecutor that could have any relevant information to the charged offense allegation
- Personal statements from witnesses, alibis, and informants, including all persons known to the prosecutor that could have any relevant information to the charged offense allegation
- Personal statements, oral or recorded, from the defendant
- Any evidence of material that could be tested for DNA samples
During a sex crimes case, the evidence-gathering process will include a step where, within 15 days of filing the Notice of Discovery, the prosecuting party is required to disclose the evidence gathered for you and your lawyer to inspect, test, and record. This part of the process is imperative in that there could be the discovery of exculpatory evidence or evidence that negates the guilt and proves the innocence of the defendant; it could result in case dismissal given that the exculpatory evidence is substantial and abundant.
Inform You Of Your Accusation
In the state of Florida, sexual assault – or sexual battery – is defined as “oral, anal, or female genital penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or female genital penetration of another by any other object.” Additionally, consent legally cannot be provided by any person under 18 years of age.
Sexual assault charges are considered severe in the state of Florida. The best criminal lawyer in Tampa will sit you down to discuss and explain the nature of the charges against you so that you are aware of your legal positioning, including the influence of evidence on the current and potential status of your accusation. This explanation should also inherently include the potential penalties and punishments for your accusation.
In the state of Florida, the severity of the punishments for a sexual assault accusation varies with the age of the plaintiff or the prosecution:
- If the defendant is 18 years of age or older and the plaintiff is younger than 12 years of age, they are guilty of capital felony, including a life sentence.
- If the defendant is 18 years of age or older and the plaintiff is 12 years of age old but younger than 18 years of age, they are guilty of a life felony, punishable by a lifetime sentence, addition to the sex offender registry, and a $10,000 fine
- If the defendant is 18 years of age or older and the plaintiff is 18 years of age or older and did not provide consent, they are guilty of a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, addition to the sex offender registry, and a $10,000 fine
- If the defendant is younger than 18 years of age and the plaintiff is 12 years of age or older, they are guilty of a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and a $10,000 fine
Build a Strong Defense Strategy and Defend You In Court
Your Tampa criminal defense lawyer is the one to fully shape your defense strategy. Based on gathered evidence, they will begin to put together strong arguments proving your innocence. This may include promoting exculpatory evidence, presenting evidence contradicting the prosecution’s case, arguing and challenging the credibility and legitimacy of witnesses, and evidence gathered by the prosecution. Your criminal lawyer will also protect your rights throughout the entire legal process, including protecting you from self-incrimination, ensuring that you receive a fair trial, and advocating for your justice every step of the way.
Often, this is why your lawyer will work to find alternative options to reduce and lessen sentences if necessary. The strongest lawyers may be able to get charges reduced or even fully dropped either before or in court. However, if your case goes to trial, your criminal attorney will represent you and argue your strong case before both a judge and jury to help fight for your justice.
Get the Protection and Justice That You Deserve With The Rickman Law Firm
Sexual assault accusations are gravely serious and can ruin the life of someone who does not deserve it. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, you must seek out a criminal defense lawyer immediately to protect yourself and have the best chance of getting the justice that you deserve.
The best criminal defense lawyers in Tampa are found at The Rickman Law Firm. We are proud to have decades of experience successfully protecting our client’s rights and innocence. With an expansive repertoire of knowledge and experience both inside and outside the courtroom, The Rickman Law Firm is ready to equip you with the tools and support you need to prove your innocence.
Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because the fight for justice never sleeps. Contact us today at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form to hear from one of our attorneys.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.