Rape. Serious Charges Need Serious Representation

Anyone facing criminal charges is a traumatic experience. One of the most serious charges is rape. This charge carries a long prison sentence and the stigma of a felony conviction based on a violent sexual conviction and a life time sexual offender registration. If you find yourself in this position, it is important that you seek legal representation to help you with your defense strategy. Our experienced staff at Carmody Law Firm are here to help you understand the seriousness of being falsely accused of rape.

How Often are False Rapes Reported?

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) points to reviews suggesting that between 2% and 10% of rape allegations might be false. However, this is a tiny figure compared to the estimated 63% of sexual assaults never reported or recorded. Many genuine incidents go unreported because the victim fears that the case will be dismissed. For this reason, lawmakers are increasingly determined to place the burden of proof on the citizen charged in proving their innocence.

What To Do If you are Falsely Accused of Rape?

If you find yourself in a situation where you are being accused of rape, it is important to have your attorney begin building your defense. Following these simple steps will help you to assemble an effective defense strategy.

1. Find a Qualified Attorney

You must find an attorney who has experience in defending clients against rape charges. You need to do this immediately after you have been made aware of the potential false claims being made against you. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your outcome.

2. Do Not Make the Situation Worse

Under no circumstances should you ever contact your accuser to question them on your rape charge. Any contact you have with your accuser will be held against you in court. While you may want to talk with the accuser, any additional contact with the person can only hurt your potential outcome.

3. Discuss With Your Attorney Possible Motives

Your accuser may have reasons for bringing this charge against you. This motive can be developed by you and your attorney for use in your defense.

4. Construct a Clear Timeline of Events

You will be arrested/charged with rape by local law enforcement based on sworn documents by your accuser. These arrest documents will have the date, time, and location of the rape. Assemble all the evidence you can to build a strong defense for your case. This can be anything from having phone and text records printed out between you and the accuser, possible witnesses who know why the accuser has alleged rape, or having an alibi proving that you weren’t around the accuser when the alleged rape took place. Your attorney will use these records in your defense. The sooner you hire a qualified attorney, the netter your outcome will be.

What is the Penalty for Rape in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, every person who is at least eighteen (18) but under twenty-one (21) years of age, and found guilty of rape, can be imprisoned for not more than five (5) years in the State Penitentiary or fined not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or both;

If the offender is twenty-one (21) years of age or older, and found guilty, can be imprisoned not more than thirty (30) years in the State Penitentiary or fined not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or both, for the first offense, and not more than forty (40) years in the State Penitentiary for each subsequent offense.

As one can see, the State of Mississippi has strong penalties put in place to deter offenders from committing rape. Serious charges require qualified legal counsel to assist you in any rape charge.

What Should Someone do if they are being accused of Rape?

If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants pursue favorable outcomes. Although being accused of rape is not a pleasant experience, there are many potential defense strategies that can be used to defend the charges against an offender. Call us for you consultation today to learn more. Please also see us on mississippi-lawyers.com and view our reviews on avvo.com, superlawyers.com, and martindale.com. Our email address is mississippi-lawyers.com and our office phone number is (601) 948 – 4444 option 1.