Facing an accusation of rape or sexual assault is one of the most unnerving situations a person may encounter. If a court finds you guilty, it will have a lifelong impact on your reputation and career prospects.
After such an accusation, the best step you can take is to get representation from an experienced rape defense lawyer in Pima.
A Pima sex crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices knows the stakes and will work to protect your rights at every stage of the process. Our team includes former law enforcement investigators and a former federal prosecutor.
Why You Need an Experienced Rape Defense Lawyer Who Cares About Outcomes
As a Class 2 felony, the penalties for rape are stringent and go beyond time spent in jail. A conviction can significantly impact your relationships, and it is visible to anyone who conducts a background check.
With your future at stake, the services of a dedicated Pima rape defense lawyer will be key to realizing the most favorable outcome to your case.
When you choose a lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you can expect:
- Thorough investigation of the facts: Apart from examining the prosecution’s evidence, we will pursue any avenue that may uncover evidence to support your defense.
- Experience from both sides of the courtroom: We understand prosecution strategies and can identify weak or inadmissible evidence.
- Diligence in defending your rights: From the circumstances of your arrest to police questioning and prosecution, we protect you from any actions that violate your rights.
Our Pima criminal defense lawyers believe that every client should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. With our lawyer on your side, you will have a strong and determined advocate to support you.
Understanding Rape Charges in Arizona
The nature of the charge is among the first things you need to know if you are arrested for a crime in Arizona. Arizona classifies rape as sexual assault under A.R.S. § 13-1406. It describes rape as knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a person who has not consented to it.
As a Class 2 felony, it is among the most serious criminal offenses under state law. Under A.R.S. § 13-1401, nonconsensual acts are closely defined:
- The defendant used force or physical threats.
- The victim cannot give consent. For example, they were intoxicated.
- The defendant deceived the alleged victim by pretending to be someone else or by misrepresenting the nature of the act.
The prosecution generally relies on witnesses, medical examination results, and forensic tests. However, an act is not necessarily nonconsensual, even if it is certain that it occurred. Often, the credibility of statements from witnesses or alleged victims becomes a deciding factor.
Examples of Evidence Your Pima Rape Defense Attorney May Use in Their Defense Strategy
There are often reasons why a criminal defense lawyer can challenge opposing evidence, but they should also seek and present evidence to support their defense strategy. When defending you against a charge of rape, they may search for:
- Digital evidence: From timelines to indications that the alleged victim consented, texts, emails, or social media posts may point toward a consensual relationship or highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution’s version of events.
- Witnesses for the defense: Other people who are aware of the situation or may have been present may be able to support your version of events.
- Expert analysis: Evidence like DNA tests can be highly accurate, but this accuracy can be compromised if an error occurred during evidence collection or laboratory analysis.
- Procedural challenges: If police fail to follow the correct procedures, your lawyer can insist that the prosecution should not use specific evidence in a trial.
- Character evidence: The character of the alleged victim and your character may influence the credibility of opposing statements about what occurred.
Your rape defense attorney in Pima knows that no single strategy works every time. They will base their approach to your case on your unique circumstances, always aiming to protect your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Possible Penalties For a Rape Conviction
While having our lawyer to defend you means you can hope for the best, you may wonder what the worst-case scenario may be. The penalties for rape are severe, and sentences depend on several factors, including your prior record.
If convicted, you may face years or even decades in prison. Prior felony convictions, even if they are not for rape, add to the severity of your sentence. Other aggravating factors may include the use of drugs or causing injuries.
The maximum sentence for rape with severe injuries is life imprisonment. The lowest sentence is 5.5 – 7 years for a first offender.
After your release from prison, you face a lifetime as a registered sex offender. You may struggle to find a good place to live, and you will have limited employment opportunities.
With so much at stake, showing that you should not be found guilty or negotiating for lesser charges can mean you have a better future.
Outcomes Your Lawyer May Pursue
The outcome of your case depends on the relative strength of the prosecution’s case and your defense. The latter must show that there is no reasonable doubt that you are guilty. Your lawyer, on the other hand, doesn’t need to “prove” that you are innocent.
They only need to show that there is reason to doubt your guilt. However, this is not always possible. Depending on circumstances, your attorney will attempt to:
- Show that a prosecutor should not charge you with rape.
- Charges are filed, but the prosecutor later dismisses them.
- Charges are reduced to a lesser offense.
- We achieve a not guilty verdict at your trial.
- We negotiate a plea bargain in exchange for reduced penalties.
- A court convicts you, but it reduces your sentence due to mitigating circumstances.
Your attorney will exert every effort on your behalf. At times, our clients are released without ever being formally charged. At others, we resort to showing a court why it should not subject you to the harshest penalties. Once we accept your case, we can keep you informed on how it is likely to proceed.
Meet Your Lawyer And Get Our Support 24/7
You are facing a crisis right now, and we understand the urgency of your situation. That is why we are always available, 24/7. Contact Suzuki Law Offices to get our rape defense lawyer in Prima working on your case today.
Suzuki is your lawyer. Let us show you how we will approach building a strong defense, keeping you informed and well-prepared for every step in the process.
Your first consultation is free and 100% confidential. We are always there when you need us. Reach out now.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form