LAFAYETTE SEX CRIMES LAWYER

Sex crimes are rightly seen as a plague on our society. What isn’t right is when society presumes that anyone accused of these crimes is guilty. Those facing accusations can be turned on by their community, their neighbors and in some cases, even their family. A defendant with their freedom and reputation at stake needs to know that their defense attorney is going to stand strong, be in the corner and fight vigorously on their behalf.

When you reach out to the Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell, you’re getting a Lafayette sex crimes lawyer that’s been fighting for defendants since 1993. We aren’t going to back away from a legal battle and we believe in our clients. We serve the English, Spanish and French-speaking communities. Call today at (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to set up a consultation.

Understanding Lafayette Sex Crime Allegations

Rape–the act of forced sexual intercourse can be charged at three different levels in the state of Louisiana. The most serious a 1st-degree rape. These charges can come if the defendant is alleged to have used a deadly weapon as the means of compelling consent. It also applies in situations where the victim is either younger than age 13 or past the age of 65. Sexual assaults on the physically and mentally disabled can also be charged as 1st-degree rape. If convicted, life imprisonment is a possibility at sentencing.

A defendant may be accused of 2nd-degree rape if the charge involves using chemicals to get the victim’s consent. A prime example here might be the use of Rohypnol–referred to casually as “the date rape drug”. Any form of narcotic that prevents the victim from understanding what’s being consented to is rape and a conviction means at least 5 years in jail and perhaps up to 40 years.
 

Rape in the third degree can be applied if the victim was intoxicated. This is different from 2nd degree, because here the defendant is not the cause of intoxication, but it is presumed that the defendant was aware that the victim was unable to think clearly. A prime example would be intercourse that takes place when the victim was extremely drunk. Conviction means up to 25 years in jail.
 

Rape is the most serious of charges. Other sex crimes can range from indecent exposure to the use of child pornography, to involvement with prostitution. All of these actions can be charged as felonies, and all can result in jail time. What’s more, a conviction will put the defendant on the Louisiana sex offender registry.
 

Impact of the Louisiana Sex Offender Registry

Even if a convicted defendant has done prison time, they are still required to register as a State Sex Offender. This means making one’s address, contact information, photo, physical description, and employer available. Anyone in the general public can access this information, which will include the specific crime of which one was convicted.
 

There are three levels on the Registry, depending on the crime. But even the lowest level still requires someone to keep their registry record current for a period of 15 years. At the highest level, the registry will be for life. This is something that can hinder a defendant’s ability to rebuild their life, potentially standing in the way of getting work, housing and perhaps even establishing good relationships in the neighborhood.
 

Your freedom and reputation are worth fighting for. At the Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell, that’s what we’ve been doing on behalf of defendants since 1993. Call us at (337) 448-4777 or fill out our online contact form to set up a consultation.
 

Strategies to Combat Sex Crime Accusations in Lafayette

Society might rush to judgment against a defendant, but the state of Louisiana cannot. The District Attorney must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s a very high bar of proof to secure and our Lafayette sex crimes attorney is determined to make sure the prosecution the meets their obligation.

It’s possible an allegation might be based on each person’s conflicting statements about the event. One says the encounter was consensual, the other does not. Perhaps there is even a dispute over whether the encounter actually occurred .
 

Other cases may involve Fourth Amendment rights, wherein police might have a search warrant before looking through someone’s property. In cases involving prostitution or possession of child pornography, for example, did the police do their due diligence and get the warrant? If the warrant was issued, was there really probable cause to justify the action? If the answer on either count is no, then the search was illegal, so is any evidence obtained and it cannot be introduced at trial for the jury to see.

Choose a Proven Lafayette Defense for Sex Crime Charges

An experienced and aggressive defense lawyer can explore any number of legal angles. A Lafayette sex crimes lawyer who has a reputation for not backing down and not fearing the courtroom can command more respect from a D.A., and that might make a big difference in how a case turns out. At the Law Office of J. Bradley Cockrell, we have that reputation. We’re ready to take a fight before a jury and prosecutors know it. Now, we want to fight for you. Call us today at (337) 448-4777 or contact us online to set up a consultation.