Accusations of sexual assault or rape on campus do not just interfere with your academic career. They can cause you to face jail time and serious legal consequences that can linger for the rest of your life. A Palm Beach Gardens campus sexual assault and rape Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert can help protect your freedoms and future. Our student defense Attorneys understand the academic and legal implications of this offense.
Legal Consequences for Campus Sexual Assault and Rape
Sexual violence can take several forms. State law recognizes sexual battery, forcible sexual acts, and committing lewd acts in the presence of a minor as sexual crimes. The penalties you can face may depend on the degree assigned to those charges:
- Third-degree sexual assault leads to up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines
- Second-degree sexual assault can mean up to ten years in prison and $10,000 in fines
- First-degree sexual assault means up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
In addition, first- and second-degree sexual offenders will have to go on the sex offender’s registry, which means they cannot go into ore reside in certain areas, including around schools, and they must register their location with local law enforcement for the rest of their lives. Many sex offenders find it difficult to procure employment, and they may face challenges when seeking housing.
Campus Consequences for Sexual Assault and Rape
Sexual assault and rape can lead to serious consequences on campus, too. Offenders may be immediately expelled from campus, and they may face immense difficulty in securing future academic opportunities. Often, suspected offenders will be expelled even if there is no proof of their crimes. An Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens can communicate with a university and guide a person through a campus sexual assault investigation.
Common Defenses for Campus Sexual Assault and Rape
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct, working closely with a campus sexual assault and rape Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens can make it easier to mount a comprehensive defense that will help protect your freedoms and academic future. Several common defenses may come into play.
Inability to Commit the Crime
The most effective defense in sexual assault cases is showing that you were unable to commit the crime. Showing a clear alibi can allow you to avoid the consequences of a sexual assault accusation.
Consent
The question of consent can prove incredibly difficult in sexual assault cases. Sometimes, one party may have regrets after the fact and claim that they did not consent. Establishing consent means that agreement to engage in sexual conduct was voluntary, affirmative, and given by a person who was able to make that decision/competent–that is, that they were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs to significantly impair them.
Mishandled Evidence
Sometimes, your lawyer can show that evidence of the crime was mishandled, which means the prosecution may not have the ability to use that evidence to establish guilt.
At Leifert & Leifert, we strive to help our clients find the best defense for their specific situation and minimize any negative consequences.
Contact a Palm Beach Gardens Campus Sexual Assault and Rape Attorney
Accusations of sexual misconduct are serious and can transform your academic and personal future. If you are facing those accusations, you need a committed legal team to help with your defense. Contact a Palm Beach Gardens campus sexual assault and rape Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert as soon as possible for help with your case.
