Westport Sexual Assault Investigations
Westport sexual assault investigations are not guaranteed to result in a conviction, or even an arrest, but you could still do a lot to harm your future at this stage if you are not careful. Hiring a skilled sexual assault defense lawyer could be key not only to minimizing your chances of facing arrest, but also to preserving your personal and professional life outside of this investigation.
Who Investigates Sexual Assault Allegations?
The Westport Police Department will investigate allegations of sexual assault that are made to it. Their sex crimes unit is responsible for collecting documentary and testimonial evidence, interviewing the parties involved, and ultimately deciding whether there is probable cause to arrest someone for this offense.
Depending on the circumstances, a Westport sexual assault investigation may begin with an affidavit signed by the alleged victim, a complaint filed by the alleged victim in person at the relevant police department, or a report sent to the police by a hospital based on their examination of an alleged victim.
What is the Most Commonly Used Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases?
Like most other criminal investigations, forensic evidence often plays a key role in Westport sexual assault investigations. A forensic medical examiner may examine the alleged victim for physical marks, bruises, and other evidence that an assault took place, and DNA samples from the alleged perpetrator may be compared to a rape kit or to evidence taken from the scene where the alleged assault occurred.
In addition, investigators will usually engage in multiple rounds of interviews with both the alleged victim and the person they accused of assaulting them, looking for consistencies and inconsistencies in their stories about what happened. They may also speak to other people who either witnessed the alleged assault or were present immediately before or after the alleged assault about what they saw.
In some cases, investigations will end very quickly based on forensic evidence, as this evidence combined with the testimony of the allegedly involved parties can sometimes paint a very clear picture for prosecutors of what did or did not happen. If this evidence is not conclusive, though, the investigative process may end up taking a while, in which case representation from a skilled defense lawyer could be even more crucial for an accused individual seeking a positive resolution.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Before an Arrest?
If you catch wind that you are being investigated for a sex crime, a lawyer can help even before an arrest is made. At this stage, you must be careful with your choice of words and an attorney can help you make sure you are cooperative and helpful without offering up too much information or information that can be twisted against you. Further, a lawyer can collect evidence and present it to the police department to help show them why no arrest should be made. There is no need to wait until an arrest to hire an attorney, a defense lawyer could be on your side from the first minute, advocating for you and your future.
Discuss How to Address a Sexual Assault Investigation with a Westport Attorney
Help from a dedicated defense lawyer could make all the difference in how your Westport sexual assault investigation plays out. To hear from former clients, click here to read our certified reviews on Avvo.com. Call today to discuss the options available in your situation.