Evidence in Ridgefield Sexual Assault Cases

To be convicted of sexual assault in Connecticut, prosecutors must establish that you committed the crime you were charged with, beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding how evidence in Ridgefield sexual assault cases can impact the outcome of your future is vital. Reach out to our skilled defense attorneys to get started reviewing the details of your case.

Interviews with All Involved Parties to a Sexual Assault Case

Whether a sexual assault investigation begins based on the alleged target self-reporting at a police station or from a report made by a third party such as a doctor or a concerned friend, the centerpiece of that investigation will almost always be a series of interviews. These interviews can involve the alleged perpetrator of the assault, their alleged target, and witnesses to what supposedly happened or to the character of all involved parties. Investigators will typically conduct multiple interviews with each person, looking for inconsistencies in the stories they provide and comparing each party’s claims about what took place.

Importantly, anything someone involved in a Ridgefield sexual assault case says in an interview with investigators can be used as evidence against them should that investigation result in criminal charges. For that reason, among many others, seeking qualified legal representation as soon as possible and having that counsel present during all conversations with law enforcement is vital.

Documentary Evidence and Recordings in a Sexual Assault Trial

Investigations into sexual assault allegations often place particular emphasis on phone calls, text messages, online chat messages, and other forms of communication between the allegedly involved parties. If necessary, investigators may seek a subpoena from the court to compel individuals to hand over records of such messages. Deleting or hiding this communication while an investigation is ongoing may result in severe criminal penalties.

While rare, surveillance camera footage can also serve as important evidence in Ridgefield sexual assault cases. Even if there is no video footage of any illegal act taking place, investigators may still utilize this kind of evidence to establish a location and timeline and incorporate that information alongside other pieces of evidence to construct a more complete picture of what happened.

Forensic Investigations

While forensic evidence is not collected or processed in real life in the same ways it is on TV, it can still play a key role in sexual assault cases. In addition to a rape kit performed at a hospital or other medical facility where the alleged target sought treatment, investigators may take DNA samples from all involved parties and compare them to samples found at the scene of the alleged offense. Samples for comparison may come from clothing, bodily fluids, and hair or skin flakes found in bedsheets or carpets.

Let a Ridgefield Attorney Explain Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases

Not every form of evidence that investigators find when looking into sexual assault allegations is admissible in court. If investigators do not follow the law while collecting information, it may be possible for a skilled attorney to convince the court to throw that evidence out and bar a jury from factoring it into their deliberations.

This is just one way a capable legal representative from the Law Offices of Mark Sherman can provide irreplaceable assistance with managing evidence in Ridgefield sexual assault cases. Learn more by calling today, and click here to view our Avvo profile with certified reviews from past clients.