Westport Rape Investigations Lawyer
No matter how it comes about or what ultimately comes of it, it is vital to take any criminal investigation that law enforcement authorities open into you extremely seriously, especially one based on an allegation of rape. Even if a formal investigation has yet to begin, it may still be worth contacting a capable rape defense attorney if you suspect one will be opened soon. With a seasoned Westport rape investigations lawyer, you can more effectively protect your best interests while ensuring your rights are respected along the way.
What Evidence Will Investigators Look For?
The centerpiece of most rape investigations in Connecticut are the multiple rounds of interviews with the alleged perpetrator of the assault and their alleged target. The intent is to uncover inconsistencies in the stories each person provides. If applicable, investigators will also seek out and interview witnesses who saw the involved parties before or after the assault allegedly occurred. This helps to figure out what happened and establish a timeline of events.
To support—or sometimes contradict—written and verbal testimony, investigators may collect forensic evidence from the scene where an assault allegedly occurred. Rape kit results and DNA samples are sometimes utilized to confirm whether sexual contact or intercourse occurred.
A thorough review of the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator’s personal lives is also performed. Sometimes, investigators may even seek subpoenas from a court to access things like cell phone records and online message logs, which may provide further information about what happened and what various people were saying about it. A Westport rape investigation attorney can ensure that accused individuals understand the process and provide guidance on what to expect.
Why is Legal Representation Important for a Rape Investigation?
Throughout the entirety of a criminal investigation into a rape accusation in Connecticut, it is crucial for the person accused of committing a crime to retain private legal representation. At a basic level, a knowledgeable Westport rape investigations attorney can sit in with the target of an investigation during interviews with law enforcement. They can advise accused individuals on how best to phrase answers to questions, inform them when they should not answer questions, and make sure investigators do not violate their rights at any point.
Once an investigation concludes, legal counsel can ensure that any evidence collected outside the boundaries of state law is not admitted to court where it could unduly influence a jury or judge. For example, if police obtain evidence by entering someone’s private residence without a warrant, an attorney can take action on a defendant’s behalf to have that evidence thrown out.
Seek Assistance from a Westport Rape Investigations Attorney
Every criminal case is different, and cases built around allegations of sexual assault are certainly no exception. Even before any charges are officially filed against you, it is important to be proactive in enforcing your rights while law enforcement authorities investigate the accusation(s) made against you. What you say and do during this process can tremendously impact how any ensuing legal proceedings will go, and sometimes cases can be won or lost at this stage.
A Westport rape investigations lawyer from Mark Sherman Law can be your ally throughout your legal proceedings. Call us today for to schedule your private consultation, and click here to read what past clients have to say about working with us.