Evidence in a Connecticut Sexual Assault Investigation
Evidence in a Connecticut sexual assault investigation is instrumental to both the prosecution and the defense. Both parties use evidence in order to develop and prove their arguments. The investigation can still proceed in a case when there is no physical evidence. Lawyers may rely more heavily on eyewitness testimony, testimony from the accuser, any medical reports that are submitted, and any testimony that the defendant has to offer. If you want to know more about evidence in sexual assault cases, speak with a capable sexual assault lawyer that could fight for you.
Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations
There are different kinds of evidence in a Connecticut sexual assault investigation, that the defense and prosecution may collect. Typically, the evidence that is sought after and preserved in a forensic examination is going to be DNA to identify the person who is accused of a crime, documentation of the injuries like picture if there is bruising or swelling, and testimony which would be a statement from the alleged victim or any other witnesses who saw or heard the crime. That could also be corroborating statements that would bolster an alleged victim’s statement to the police department. They would also want any other evidence that they could gather that would either prove or disprove the alleged victim’s allegation.
Methods of Gathering Evidence
A few different tools and tactics are utilized to collect evidence in a Connecticut sexual assault investigation. The first one is the forensic interview in which an alleged victim would be interviewed, submit DNA testing, and answer all questions and questionnaires. Another tool that police use is interviewing witnesses. With this tactic, they would not tell someone who is accused of a crime exactly what they are accused of and they would see what they statements or information they provide to the police. This is why it is important for anyone accused of a crime to not make a statement to the police without an attorney present. It could corroborate with what the alleged victim is saying happened. The police would also use search warrants of the location to look for any physical evidence that might still be present that could help prove their case.
Using DNA Testing to Confirm the Involvement of Alleged Attackers
DNA testing is used to confirm the involvement of an alleged attacker if there is DNA that has been left on the alleged victim and the alleged attacker is in a government database that could identify their DNA. If the alleged attacker’s DNA is in the system there will be a positive ID and an arrest can be initiated against that person. That positive ID could be relied on by the prosecution in the criminal case.
Polygraphs in Sexual Assault Investigations
Polygraphs or lie detectors are not typically used during sexual assault investigations. Sometimes the prosecution may ask an accused if they are willing to submit to a polygraph test just to see what their response is. If a person accused of committing a crime submits to a polygraph or lie detector and they fail the test, it cannot be used in court against them. If they pass the test, it may help the police close the case and not issue an arrest.
Role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
The role of a sexual assault nurse examiner is to complete these examinations. They are certified and they have additional education and training in order to do so. They conduct specific examinations and just deal with alleged victims to figure out exactly what assault they are complaining of. They will also typically make reports to the police department.
Value of a Sexual Assault Attorney During a Sexual Assault Investigation in CT
If you want to know more about evidence in a Connecticut sexual assault investigation and how evidence could be used to bolster your case, call an attorney today. One of our top sexual assault attorneys in CT could devote the time and resources necessary to protect your rights and advocate for you.