Facing a rape accusation is a daunting and life-altering experience. At Combs Waterkotte, we understand the gravity of these charges and the profound and lasting impact they can have on your life. Our award-winning criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you the best possible defense, ensuring that your rights and your future are protected every step of the way.
Call Combs Waterkotte right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert advice and guidance from one of our skilled rape defense lawyers. Here’s how we build a strong defense against rape allegations.
How Do the Combs Waterkotte Defense Attorneys Build a Case Against a Rape Accusation?
The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers have more than 60 combined years of defending clients and protecting their rights and futures. If you’re facing rape charges, here are eight ways we help craft a defense:
1. Develop a Strong Attorney-Client Relationship
When you’re facing rape charges, it’s essential to have a dependable ally in your corner, fighting for your innocence. You deserve to have defense attorneys on your side you can trust and communicate with effectively at any time. A competent defense lawyer takes the time to understand your perspective, address all of your questions and concerns, and keep you informed throughout every phase of your case.
Establishing a solid attorney-client relationship is crucial for mounting an effective defense. Your rape defense lawyer acts as your advocate and advisor, so it’s important to be forthright with them. Confronting serious criminal charges can be stressful and overwhelming, but our experienced and supportive attorneys can help ease some of that burden. Our legal team is available 24/7 by calling (314) 900-HELP or reaching out to us online.
2. Thorough Review of Evidence, Police Reports, & Testimonies
Our legal team conducts an exhaustive investigation to uncover facts and evidence that support your defense, including:
- Gathering Physical Evidence: We secure any physical evidence that can be used to challenge the prosecution’s case, like surveillance footage, electronic communications, or medical records.
- Hiring Experts: We have an impressive network of professionals to pull from, including private investigators, forensic experts, and other specialists to scrutinize the evidence and uncover any inconsistencies or errors.
- Collecting Witness Testimonies: Our rape defense legal team interviews witnesses who can provide information that may contradict the accuser’s account or support your version of events.
3. Finding an Alternative Narrative
While gathering the above evidence and information, our knowledgeable defense team looks to craft an alternative narrative of events demonstrating your innocence, reframing the circumstances to show no criminal wrongdoing. This approach challenges the prosecution’s version of events, raising doubts and highlighting inconsistencies.
4. Challenging the Credibility of the Accuser
Our rape defense lawyers will work to create reasonable doubt about the allegation itself. The goal is to highlight weaknesses, not simply smear the accuser, by:
- Running Background Checks: Conducting a thorough background check on your accuser to uncover any history of false accusations or criminal behavior.
- Examining Motives: Investigating whether the accuser has any motive to falsely accuse you, like personal vendettas, financial gain, or custody disputes.
- Identifying Irregularities: Highlighting any discrepancies or contradictions in your accuser’s statements or behavior that can cast doubt on their reliability.
5. Analyzing Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence can make or break a case. Our rape defense lawyers meticulously examine and, if needed, challenge the prosecution’s forensic evidence by:
- Using Our Own Expert Testimony: Engaging our network of forensic experts to provide testimony that supports your defense and refutes the prosecution’s evidence.
- Questioning Forensic Procedures: Investigating whether proper procedures were followed in the collection, storage, and analysis of forensic evidence, and identifying any potential contamination or mishandling.
- Reviewing DNA Evidence: Ensuring that DNA evidence is accurately analyzed and correctly attributed.
6. Filing Pre-Trial Motions
Pre-trial motions are crucial in shaping the course of your defense. Our rape defense lawyers may file motions to:
- Dismiss Charges: Request that the charges be dropped if there is insufficient evidence or if procedural errors were made by law enforcement.
- Suppress Evidence: Argue that certain evidence was obtained unlawfully and should be excluded from your trial.
- Change Venue: Seek a change of venue if there’s a concern about finding an impartial jury in the current location.
7. Negotiating Plea Agreements
In some scenarios, negotiating a plea deal and avoiding trial may be in your best interest. The Combs Waterkotte rape defense lawyers will:
- Advise You: Provide clear and honest advice about the possible advantages and drawbacks of accepting a plea bargain versus going to trial.
- Assess the Prosecution’s Case: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s evidence and the likelihood of securing a favorable outcome at trial.
- Negotiate Terms: Work to negotiate the most favorable terms possible, possibly including reduced charges or lesser penalties.
8. Preparing for Trial
If your case goes to trial, our rape defense attorneys are prepared to:
- Present a Strong Defense: Call upon expert witnesses, present evidence, and make persuasive arguments to support your innocence.
- Develop a Cohesive Defense Strategy: Craft a clear and compelling narrative that highlights the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and underscores the strength of your defense.
- Cross-Examine Witnesses: Adeptly cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses to expose inconsistencies and undermine their credibility.
Touch Base With an Expert Rape Defense Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
Facing a rape accusation is an overwhelming experience. You don’t have to go through it alone. Combs Waterkotte is here to help. We are dedicated to defending your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call an expert rape defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review.
