A sexual assault accusation can change your life in an instant, putting your future, reputation, and freedom at risk. Your Dublin sexual assault lawyer with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has 30+ years of trial experience and knows how to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Your Dublin sex crimes lawyer will examine every piece of evidence, fight to protect your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf, so call our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your potential defense options.
Common Defenses Used in Sexual Assault Cases
Sexual assault charges carry serious consequences, making a strong defense essential. False accusations, misidentification, and questions about consent are commonly used to challenge these allegations.
If you were accused of sexual assault, your Dublin criminal defense lawyer with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can assess the evidence and determine the best defense strategy for your case.
False Accusations
Some sexual assault cases stem from false allegations. Personal conflicts, revenge, or misunderstandings can lead to accusations that are not supported by evidence. Investigating the accuser’s motives, prior statements, and any inconsistencies in their claims can help disprove false accusations.
Misidentification
Eyewitness misidentification is a common issue in sexual assault cases. Stress, poor lighting, and high-pressure police procedures can lead to mistaken identity. Surveillance footage, alibi evidence, and forensic testing can help establish whether the accused was mistakenly identified.
Consent
In some cases, the defense may argue that the interaction was consensual. Consent defenses often rely on text messages, social media interactions, and witness statements. If there is no evidence of force or coercion, the prosecution may struggle to prove that a crime occurred.
Alibi Evidence
Proving that you were somewhere else at the time of the alleged incident can be an effective defense. Cell phone records, time-stamped receipts, and eyewitness testimony can support an alibi claim. When alibi evidence directly contradicts the prosecution’s timeline, it can cast doubt on the entire case.
Inconsistent Testimony
If the accuser’s statements change throughout the investigation, it can create doubt about their credibility. Testifying inconsistently to police, in court, or to friends and family may weaken the prosecution’s case. Identifying contradictions in prior statements can be a powerful tool in defending against sexual assault charges.
Prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is the highest legal standard. If inconsistencies exist, or if evidence does not fully support the allegations, a conviction should not occur. A well-prepared defense can challenge weak points in the prosecution’s case and potentially get the charges against you reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely.
For a free legal consultation with a sexual assault lawyer serving Dublin, call 614-884-1100
How Evidence Impacts Sexual Assault Cases
The outcome of a sexual assault case often depends on the strength of the evidence presented. Forensic testing, surveillance footage, and digital records play a key role in proving or disproving allegations. Your Dublin sexual assault attorney can analyze the evidence in your case and determine how it impacts your defense strategy.
DNA testing, security footage, and digital communications are frequently used in sexual assault cases. DNA evidence may confirm or disprove physical contact between the parties, while video surveillance can provide a timeline of events. Text messages, phone records, and social media interactions may also establish whether the interaction was consensual or if accusations were made after the fact.
Inconsistent witness statements and unreliable forensic evidence can weaken the prosecution’s case. If your accuser gives conflicting accounts of the incident, their credibility may be questioned in court. Faulty forensic testing or mishandled DNA evidence can also create doubt about the accuracy of the prosecution’s claims.
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What Qualifies as Sexual Assault in Dublin
Sexual assault is a serious criminal offense in Ohio that includes various types of non-consensual sexual conduct. State law defines sexual assault as engaging in sexual activity without consent through the use of force, threats, or coercion. If you were accused of sexual assault, your Dublin assault defense lawyer can explain the specific charges against you and what legal options you may have.
Consent, force, and coercion all play a role in determining whether an act qualifies as sexual assault. If the accuser was physically restrained, threatened, or under the influence, their ability to give consent may be questioned. Ohio law also recognizes that age, mental capacity, and certain relationships may affect whether consent is legally valid.
Ohio Revised Code § 2907.02 outlines the legal definitions and penalties for sexual assault. A conviction can result in significant prison time, mandatory sex offender registration, and other severe legal consequences. The penalties depend on factors such as the age of the accuser, the use of force, and whether the alleged act caused physical harm.
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Consequences of a Sexual Assault Conviction
A sexual assault conviction carries serious penalties that can affect every part of your life. Ohio law imposes harsh criminal sentences, lasting registration requirements, and restrictions on employment and housing for those convicted. If you were charged with sexual assault, knowing the potential penalties can help you understand the risks of a conviction.
Prison Sentences
Convictions for sexual assault may result in mandatory incarceration, with sentences varying based on severity. First-degree felony sexual assault charges can lead to up to 11 years in prison, with additional time for aggravating factors. Repeated offenses or cases involving minors may result in life imprisonment without parole.
Sex Offender Registration
Ohio law requires individuals convicted of sexual assault to register as sex offenders, significantly impacting housing, employment, and personal freedom. Ohio Revised Code § 2950.01 establishes Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III classifications, each with different registration requirements. Higher-tier offenders must register for life, limiting where they can live, work, and travel.
Loss of Professional Licenses
Many professions prohibit individuals with sexual assault convictions from holding positions of trust or responsibility. Convictions may result in the loss of medical, legal, and teaching licenses, preventing convicted individuals from working in certain fields. If a conviction is reported to a licensing board, revocation proceedings may begin immediately.
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Protect Your Rights With Help From a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Dublin
A sexual assault charge carries serious legal and personal consequences, but the right defense strategy can make all the difference.
Your sexual assault attorney in Dublin from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will aggressively challenge the accusations against you and fight for your freedom. Contact our firm today to take control of your defense.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
