While receiving charges of rape can be a daunting experience, know that you do not have to face it alone. A skilled Virginia rape lawyer could potentially offer you their assistance by gathering evidence, interviewing key witnesses, and guiding you through the necessary procedures so that you can know what to expect in court. In order to prepare yourself with a professional defense strategy on your behalf, read the following information in order to learn the benefits of reaching out to a dedicated defense attorney today.
Under Virginia law, rape can be defined as sexual intercourse that occurred against the will of the complaining witness by force with threat or intimidation, or through the mental or physical incapacitation of the individual. In rape cases, aggravating factors depend on the amount of violence that is used, the age of the individual, if any weapons were involved, or if it was in the commission of another type of felony. For example, if the individual alleging these charges is too old or too young to fight back, these circumstances could lead to a statutory rape charge. Contact a qualified criminal lawyer to learn more.
What sets these situations apart from other sex crimes is that in rape cases, a lot is going to depend on what the accuser has to say. A lot of testimony is used as evidence. More often than not, it comes down to consent and the issue of situations where one individual is saying that they consented while the other insists that there was no consent. The entire case’s outcome can depend much more heavily on who does a better job convincing the jury rather than what the physical evidence shows. This shows the significance of having an experienced Virginia rape lawyer to testify with, who can present a convincing argument on behalf of the accused.
There are many different ways that a dedicated Virginia rape lawyer can offer assistance when you are facing rape charges. Preparing a robust defense and explaining every aspect of the case, a dedicated attorney will look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case as well as mitigation evidence. In situations where the evidence is overwhelmingly against the defendant, a defense lawyer can play the secondary role of preparing the accused for what would ultimately happen after conviction by arguing to the jury or judge for the least amount of time sentenced in jail as possible.
A weathered Virginia rape lawyer can also be helpful in negotiating with the prosecutor and potentially to enter into a deal for less or no time in jail or prison in exchange for a guilty plea to something less serious. While a qualified Virginia rape lawyer defense attorney is going to spend a lot of time negotiating, they will also be preparing to fight hard for your case. If you are facing rape charges, consider reaching out to a dependable Virginia rape lawyer today to discuss your case’s best options.