Accusations of sexual assault are incredibly serious and can have life-altering consequences. In San Antonio, TX, where the justice system can be especially unforgiving, facing such charges without an experienced San Antonio sexual assault criminal defense attorney by your side can be devastating. The emotional, personal, and legal stakes of sexual assault cases are immense. A wrongful conviction could lead to years of imprisonment, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and the destruction of your personal and professional reputation.
At Del Prado Law, we understand the gravity of these charges and are committed to providing strong, aggressive, and strategic defense for clients accused of sexual assault. Our legal team has extensive experience in defending sexual assault cases, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected, that you are treated fairly, and that every avenue for defense is thoroughly explored.
Why Sexual Assault Charges Are So Serious
Sexual assault is one of the most severe criminal charges in Texas and carries significant penalties. Texas law defines sexual assault as intentionally or knowingly causing another person to engage in sexual contact without their consent. This can include physical force, threats, or taking advantage of the victim’s incapacity to consent, among other factors.
The consequences of a conviction for sexual assault are life-altering and far-reaching. If convicted, individuals may face:
-
Significant prison sentences (often between 2 and 20 years)
-
Sex offender registration that can last a lifetime
-
Fines and other financial penalties
-
Loss of employment and professional licenses
-
Severe social and personal stigma, affecting relationships, family, and social standing
Even before a verdict is reached, an accusation alone can result in arrest, bond restrictions, and significant damage to your reputation. The need for a qualified San Antonio sexual assault criminal defense attorney becomes paramount to defending your rights and preventing long-term consequences.
How a Sexual Assault Defense Attorney Protects You
Facing a sexual assault charge requires a defense attorney who can navigate the complexities of the law, handle the emotional weight of the case, and provide a robust defense strategy. At Del Prado Law, we approach every case with the seriousness and dedication it deserves.
Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
From the moment you are arrested, you have important constitutional rights that must be respected, such as the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Unfortunately, these rights can sometimes be overlooked or violated. Having an experienced attorney ensures that your rights are safeguarded at every stage of the process.
We will ensure that law enforcement follows all procedures correctly, and if there is any evidence of misconduct, we will challenge it in court to prevent unfair advantages for the prosecution.
Investigating the Evidence
In sexual assault cases, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged incident occurred without consent. At Del Prado Law, we leave no stone unturned in our investigation. We will:
-
Review witness statements for inconsistencies or contradictions
-
Examine forensic evidence such as DNA, medical reports, and surveillance footage
-
Question the credibility of the alleged victim and their account of the events
-
Consult with experts who can challenge the prosecution’s findings or help to shed new light on the facts
Our goal is to find any discrepancies in the evidence and use that to your advantage.
Challenging the Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution has a duty to prove the case against you. In many sexual assault cases, the evidence presented by the prosecution may not be as solid as they claim. Our job is to point out the weaknesses in their case. Common strategies we use to challenge sexual assault allegations include:
-
Consent: The defense may argue that the sexual activity was consensual, and the alleged victim may have later regretted the encounter or changed their story.
-
False Allegations: In some cases, accusations are made out of spite, misunderstanding, or personal conflict. If we find evidence that suggests the allegations are false, we will present it to the court.
-
Mistaken Identity: In some cases, individuals are wrongly accused due to mistaken identity or miscommunication. We will examine the circumstances surrounding identification and work to clear up any errors.
Common Defenses in Sexual Assault Cases
Sexual assault allegations are extremely serious, but accusations are not the same as guilt. The defense team at Del Prado Law has a variety of strategies available to challenge the case against you. Some of the most common defenses we employ include:
Consent
One of the most common defenses in sexual assault cases is proving that the encounter was consensual. If both parties agreed to engage in sexual activity, no crime was committed. In these cases, our goal is to demonstrate that the alleged victim consented to the act and that any subsequent claims of assault are either exaggerated or fabricated.
False Allegations
Unfortunately, false allegations of sexual assault do occur. Whether motivated by revenge, misunderstanding, or other personal reasons, we will thoroughly investigate the possibility of fabricated charges. We will look for evidence that shows that the allegations are not credible or truthful.
Lack of Evidence
In many cases, there may not be enough evidence to support the accusations. Whether it’s the lack of physical evidence or unreliable witness testimony, we can challenge the prosecution’s case by showing that they cannot meet the burden of proof required for a conviction. We will highlight any inconsistencies, contradictions, or flaws in the evidence.
Mistaken Identity
Sexual assault charges can sometimes be the result of mistaken identity. If the alleged victim wrongly identified you as the perpetrator, we will explore all possible reasons for the misidentification. This could include alibis, physical characteristics, or mistaken assumptions.
Why Choose Del Prado Law for Your Defense?
When you’re facing a sexual assault charge, you need a law firm that has the experience, dedication, and skills to handle your case with the utmost care and commitment. Here’s why Del Prado Law is the right choice for your defense:
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys
With years of experience in criminal defense, including sexual assault cases, our attorneys are well-versed in Texas law and the criminal court system. We have the knowledge necessary to effectively represent clients in complex sexual assault cases.
Personalized Legal Strategies
At Del Prado Law, we understand that no two cases are the same. We take the time to learn about your specific situation and build a defense strategy that’s tailored to your needs. Whether we need to challenge the evidence, negotiate a plea, or take your case to trial, we ensure your defense is strong and strategic.
Aggressive Advocacy in Court
We fight hard to protect your rights. Whether it’s in negotiations or in the courtroom, we take an aggressive approach to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys will not back down when it comes to defending you.
Client-Centered Approach
We treat every client with respect and understanding, knowing that facing criminal charges can be stressful and emotionally challenging. At Del Prado Law, we’re committed to supporting you throughout the entire legal process, keeping you informed and involved in every decision.
Take the First Step Toward Your Defense Today
If you are facing sexual assault charges in San Antonio, TX, it is crucial to act quickly and secure professional legal representation. The sooner you contact an experienced San Antonio sexual assault criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of building a strong defense.
At Del Prado Law, we are committed to providing you with the best legal defense possible. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, fight to protect your rights, and help you navigate the complexities of your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Visit https://delpradolaw.com/ or call +1 203-391-4261 to get started. Let us help you defend your future.