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    Top 100 Trial Attorneys in California 2012-2014, 2008 Trial Attorney of the Year by the Riverside County Public Defender's Office, and dozens of other awards and accolades.

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Evidence Used in Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Cases

Posted in Domestic Violence,Domestic Violence FAQ'S,Sex Crimes,Sex Offender FAQs on January 10, 2022

Domestic violence and sexual assault charges are serious, some of which carry the status of a felony. Under normal circumstances, both alleged victims and alleged perpetrators are concerned with the evidence that may or may not be used in a suit against them. While this is a worthwhile concern for those looking to find justice, many often mistakenly embark on private investigations without the help of a legal counsel

The Graham Donath Law Offices, APC is a passionate team of lawyers dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault cases on a regular basis. Our attorneys understand your rights, the processes involved with these types of lawsuits, and the evidence that may be used against you in a court of law. Reach out to a Riverside sexual assault attorney today for more information regarding a case of domestic violence or sexual crimes.

Putting Sexual Assault into Perspective

A common question in law is the distinguishment between crimes involving sexual penetration and sexual contact. In addition to these two categories, further details cited in court include the ability to consent and the maintenance of a position of authority over a victim. 

Rape, sometimes referred to as criminal sexual penetration, is usually defined as the non-consensual penetration of a vagina, mouth, or anus with any type of body part or object.  Sexual battery and criminal sexual contact also occur without the victim’s consent and are defined as touching intimate parts of the body for the purpose of sexual arousal or pleasure. 

Types of Evidence Used in California Sexual Assault Cases

There are many different kinds of evidence that can be used in a case of domestic violence or sexual assault. It is usually at the objective of the prosecuting party to gather as much of this information as possible, as to bolster their case and ensure success when pressing charges. Conversely, defendants may try to diminish the weight of this evidence that is presented.

  • Clothing, especially those containing DNA from semen
  • Photos or video recordings
  • Miscellaneous physical objects
  • Letters
  • Emails
  • Text messages 
  • Computer files 
  • Rape kits
  • Eyewitnesses 
  • GPS records 

Generally speaking, however, those convicted of sex crimes are usually suggested to avoid speaking with the alleged victim about anything – not only the case. These interactions can also be used as evidence, further damaging the case of the accused perpetrator. In any case, it is recommended that all parties seek advice from their attorneys and legal counsels.

The Firm for Domestice Abuse and Sexual Assault Survivors

As previously stated, being convicted of rape, sexual assault, or domestic violence can carry serious consequences. For one, people convicted of these crimes seldomly escaped jail time. In some cases, life sentences may be awarded. Probation is another common consequence of being criminally charged of a sex crime, another important note is registration as an official sex offender. This may result in loss of employment, custody of children, professional licenses, and finances in the form of damages paid to the victims. 

Reach out to a sexual assault attorney or Riverside sex crimes lawyer at Graham Donath Law Offices, APC at your earliest convenience to learn more about criminal sex cases. Obtaining the help and support of an attorney is essential to your future. Call 951-667-5293 for more information today.