Possible Sexual Assault Defenses in Connecticut

 Posted on March 14, 2024 in Sex Crimes

Connecticut law defines sexual assault as compelling another person to have sexual intercourse by use of force, causing fear in the victim. Law enforcement does not go lightly on offenders. If you are charged with sexual assault, you could be facing jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Each person has their own story. While the state may be quick to press sexual assault charges, this may be done in error. If you have been charged with sexual assault, you will want to take any necessary steps to avoid a conviction.

The first step against a sexual assault charge should be contacting a Stamford sexual assault defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Alibi

A defendant may testify that they were in a different location during the time of the crime. This is known as having an alibi. Your alibi will be more persuasive to a jury if you can get other people to testify that they were with you at the time. Any evidence supporting that you were not at the scene of the crime can go a long way to prove your innocence.

Consent

To be convicted of sexual assault, the other person must be forced into the act. It is possible to admit that the act happened but that you are not guilty of the crime because the other person consented.

You must provide sufficient evidence to show that a defense applies in your situation. Once you establish that the consent defense applies, then a district attorney has the task of disproving that the victim consented. The state must disprove the defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mistaken Identity

It is estimated that 77,000 suspects are arrested each year based on eyewitness testimony alone. Of those convicted, more than 50% can be attributed to mistaken eyewitness accounts. Relying on witnesses to accurately recall a person’s facial features may be unrealistic, especially if they only took a brief glance at the perpetrator.

A Fairfield County sexual assault defense lawyer has experience in questioning witnesses. Whether eyewitnesses are testifying at a deposition or trial, a sexual assault defense lawyer will know how to phrase questions to prove your innocence.

Mistaken Belief

If you thought that the act was consensual, then you believed that you were not committing sexual assault. Again, you must provide evidence demonstrating that your belief was justified.

False Accusations

If you were falsely accused of committing sexual assault, you can challenge the credibility of the victim. It will strengthen your case by showing the victim’s motives for making a false claim. A false accusation may apply if two people are in the midst of a custody battle. A sexual assault accusation will make the defendant look bad, ensuring that the defendant cannot have access to their child.

Speak with a Stamford, CT, Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer

Being arrested for sexual assault can be a jarring experience. There may even be evidence against you, making you feel hopeless. Our Fairfield County, CT, sexual assault defense lawyer is here to defend you honor when facing these heinous charges. Contact Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner online or call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation.