Sexual assault is a serious crime with an accused person risking harsh penalties upon conviction, including a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and registration as a sex offender. Besides these life-changing consequences, a sexual assault is such a hated crime that an accused person is likely to suffer immense societal stigmatization.

You will likely lose friends, other social connections, employment, and your reputation even without a conviction. You could lose your reputation permanently, or it might be years before you rebuild it or reconnect with your friends. Typically, sexual assault allegations, whether true or false, are likely to turn your life upside down.

Like other serious criminal charges, a sexual assault charge can be long and complicated. The related criminal defense process can easily overwhelm anyone. Unfortunately, the sensitive nature of a sexual assault offense means people sometimes use it to destroy the reputation of others through malicious and wrongful accusations.

You need solid legal representation to avoid conviction, even in a false or wrongful accusation. It is advisable to seek the help of a well-qualified and experienced sexual assault defense lawyer if facing sexual assault charges. If falsely or wrongfully accused, the lawyer can help you avoid suffering based on someone else’s ulterior motives, including malicious lies.

Common Sexual Assault Defenses

Like in other criminal cases, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor, and, to get a conviction, they need to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you develop a defense strategy that introduces reasonable doubt in the case and help overcome the charges. Some of the most common legal defenses include the following:

1. The alleged crime never happened – This defense strategy is applicable where you have not admitted to a sexual act happening, and there is no physical evidence alluding to sexual assault. In this case, your attorney must show and convince the jury that the alleged crime never happened hence introducing reasonable doubt, including making them question the alleged victim’s credibility.
2. There was consent – It is possible for a person to participate in a consensual sexual act but later claim sexual assault, especially if they have an ulterior motive. In this case, the defense attorney must show that the alleged victim consented to the sexual act.
3. Mistaken Identity – Some sexual assaults are by strangers, and there is the likelihood of a victim wrongly identifying a person as the alleged perpetrator. In this case, the defense attorney must prove that while sexual assault may have happened, it is not the defendant who sexually assaulted the victim.
4. Police misconduct– In this case, the defense attorney can show that there was police misconduct during investigations, including illegally obtaining evidence. Even though it is a rare defense strategy, a skilled sexual assault attorney can help you prove police misconduct or any other unlawful procedure that might lead to the dismissal of the charges.

Contact a Phoenix Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

Sexual assault is a serious crime, and a conviction can completely alter the course of your life. Besides the likelihood of a lengthy prison sentence and hefty monetary fines, Arizona law requires you to register as a sex offender. A sexual assault conviction restricts your life in many ways, even after serving your prison sentence. It is also likely to damage your reputation. Accordingly, you must protect your legal rights, even if the allegations are malicious. If you are facing a sexual assault charge in Phoenix, AZ, we are here for you. Our skilled and experienced Tucson sexual assault defense attorneys at Huselid & Huselid Law will help you navigate the often emotional and complex criminal defense process while fighting for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about our services.