Date Rape

Ann Arbor Sex Crime Attorney Defending You Against Date Rape Charges

Date rape charges present unique challenges for defendants. And while the rule of law is that you are innocent until proven, many defendants in our current cultural climate feel as if a mere accusation is enough to result in a conviction. Fortunately, you do not have to face your date rape charge alone. Ann Arbor sex crime lawyer Sam Bernstein can help you fight your charges and get a fair result.

What is Date Rape?

Date rape is also referred to as acquaintance rape and includes situations where the accused and the alleged victim know each other. You can be charged with date rape regardless of whether or not you were in a committed relationship with the alleged victim and regardless of whether the alleged incident occurred in the context of a “date.”

That said, there Michigan law does not have a specific crime of date rape. If you are accused of date rape, you will likely be charged with first or third-degree criminal sexual conduct. In other words, rape is rape under Michigan law. A date rape charge is every bit as serious as any other rape charge, and you should speak with an experienced Ann Arbor sex crime lawyer about your case as soon as possible.

Were There Date Rape Drugs Involved?

Many date rape allegations claim that the victim was drugged as part of the incident. This could involve the use of alcohol or controlled substances such as Rohypnol or GHB. If you are accused of drugging the alleged victim as part of the incident, you should be aware that you could also face charges regarding the possession of illegal drugs in addition to your rape charges.

Your Future is at Stake

Date rape is a felony charge. Simply being accused of date rape can do tremendous damage. A conviction can change your life forever. If you are accused of date rape, you may lose your job or be placed on administrative leave without leave. If you are in school, you may be suspended or expelled, and you may lose any financial aid you are receiving. The bottom line is that an accusation can destroy your personal and professional reputation.

If you are convicted, you may have to register as a sex offender even after serving your sentence. For many people, the potential lifelong stigma as a sex offender is one of the most problematic aspects of their case. No matter what consequences you face, an Ann Arbor sex crime lawyer can help you face your charges and get a fair result.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If you’re facing date rape charges, you may feel like your case is hopeless – the police, the prosecutor, the judge, and the jury will believe the victim over you. However, a skilled Ann Arbor sex crime lawyer can help you fight your charges in the following ways:

• By challenging the alleged victim’s credibility
• By identifying potential motives for making a false allegation
• By reviewing, analyzing, and challenging any evidence that you used date rape drugs

Contact Ann Arbor Date Rape Lawyer Sam Bernstein Today

If you’ve been accused of committing date rape, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the sooner you can begin building a successful defense. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer who will fight for your future, contact ArborYpsi Law at 734-883-9584 today.