You have been charged with rape and feel overwhelmed as you think about what will happen if you are convicted. Remember, you have legal options. Meet with a Westerville rape lawyer, and they can let you know how you could contest the charge against you.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has provided legal services and support to more than 15,000 people who have been criminally accused.
Let a Westerville sex crimes lawyer assist you with your rape case. Schedule a case consultation with us.
What to Do if You Receive a Westerville Rape Charge
Take action as soon as you can. A Westerville rape attorney can learn about your charge and discuss your legal options. They will help you determine the best course of action to defend against a conviction.
Avoid talking to the alleged victim or law enforcement about your charge. What you say after you have been arrested could be used against you. If anyone wants to speak with you about your charge, consult with your lawyer.
The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt knows how difficult your rape case can be for you and your family. We prioritize your case and look for ways to disprove the prosecution’s argument. Speak to a Westerville criminal defense lawyer about your case.
For a free legal consultation with a rape lawyer serving Westerville, call 614-884-1100
Punishments You Could Receive if You Are Convicted of Rape
Rape is punishable in alignment with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 2907.02. The crime is treated as a first-degree felony. If convicted, you could face a lifetime prison sentence and a fine of up to $20,000 and be required to register with the Ohio Sexual Offender Registry for life.
What punishments you receive depends on the facts of your case. The court considers the victim’s age, if this individual suffered serious harm, and other factors. A rape lawyer in Westerville wants you to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
The legal system is unpredictable at times. As such, it pays to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side as you deal with the aftermath of a rape charge. Your attorney explores every legal avenue available to help you achieve your desired case results.
Westerville Rape Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Legal Strategies to Consider If You Have Been Charged with Rape
A rape attorney in Westerville understands every case is different. They tailor your legal strategy to your case. Your attorney may consider various legal defenses for your case, including:
Consent
Your lawyer could find evidence of an alleged rape victim’s past to support your claim that you engaged in consensual sexual activity with this individual. This proof could raise doubts about the case against you. It could prompt the court to rule in your favor.
Alibi
You are charged with rape but were not present when the crime was allegedly committed. In this scenario, your attorney can share your alibi with the court. Based on this, the court may have reasonable doubt about whether a conviction is warranted.
Mistaken Identity
Someone accuses you of rape, but you were misidentified. Your attorney can argue that you are the victim of mistaken identity. If this argument is successful, the prosecution could struggle to show the court that you should be convicted.
Your lawyer offers legal resources to help you build a compelling argument. They know what challenges you will face as your case moves forward. Your attorney addresses these challenges and remains accessible to respond to your legal concerns and questions at each stage of your litigation.
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Tips to Help with Your Case
Seek legal help from a lawyer who has handled rape cases in the past. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process and help you avoid mistakes along the way. They can provide tips to assist you with your case, such as:
Collect Evidence
Use emails, texts, and other written communications with the alleged victim to support your argument. Also, consider the proof that the prosecution will use against you. Ideally, your attorney can identify flaws or procedural errors relating to the prosecution’s evidence, which could lead the court to suppress this proof.
Conduct an Investigation
Get as much information as you can relating to your charge and the alleged victim’s claims against you. Search for witnesses who can testify or submit statements on your behalf. Your investigation could yield information that provides the foundation for your argument.
Remain Calm
Expect the alleged victim, the prosecution, and other parties to say harsh things about you as your litigation progresses. Regardless, do your best to stay calm and focus on your case. If your case goes to trial, you will have the opportunity to share your side of the story and explain why you do not deserve to be punished.
Prioritize Your Health and Well-Being
Treat yourself well throughout your litigation, as choosing to ignore your health and well-being can cause problems that affect you for the rest of your life.
It may be beneficial to seek professional counseling since your litigation can be worrisome and stressful. Do what you feel is best to take care of yourself during this emotionally taxing time in your life.
Communicate and Collaborate with Your Lawyer
Keep the lines of communication open with your attorney. If your lawyer receives a plea deal, they will let you know about it. At this point, you can review the plea bargain with your attorney and decide whether to approve or decline it.
A plea agreement is not necessarily an option in every rape case. If no plea bargain is offered, your lawyer continues to help you prepare for your trial.
When your trial gets underway, your lawyer protects your legal rights and best interests, advocates for you, and argues as to why the court should find you not guilty of rape.
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Trust a Westerville Rape Defense Attorney Who Has a Field of Vision to See What Is Coming Next
As Ohio’s premier criminal defense law firm, the team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has the legal instincts to know what is around the corner in a criminal case.
Give us the opportunity to help you with your rape case and provide you with details about our legal services. Request a consultation with us.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form