Allegations of sexual assault can ruin a person’s life. When a person is accused of attacking or raping another then the public often perceives the accused as guilty without ever learning the facts or hearing the evidence. Being convicted of sexual assault means a person will forever deal with the stigma of being labeled a sexual offender and will face the possibility of a long-term prison sentence. Bretton Barber is a Phoenix lawyer aggressively defending the accused of such offenses as everyone deserves their day in Court. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney.
Phoenix lawyer representing those accused of rape
Sexual assault occurs in Arizona when one intentionally or knowingly engages in sexual intercourse or oral sex without gaining a person’s consent. At a base level this offense is charged as a class two felony and the minimum sentence is five years in prison. This sentence, however, will increase substantially if:
- The victim was under the age of 15
- If a date rape drug was used to carry out the attack
- If a weapon was used to attack the victim
- If the victim sustained serious physical injury.
In many cases a defendant may be facing life in prison along with the requirement of having to register as a sex offender. Such matters will begin with an Indictment from the Grand Jury or a criminal complaint being filed in Justice Court. Such cases often hinge on the credibility of the victim as well as how physical evidence was collected by the police. Having an attorney versed in these areas of law, as well as trial practice, is critical.
Phoenix defense lawyer Bretton Barber devotes his practice to aggressively defending the rights of the accused. Bretton will immediately analyze all witness statements, interviews, and other evidence. He will build a defense around inconsistencies in the victim’s version of events as these types of charges are sometimes fabricated. If there are search and seizure issues as a result of how evidence was collected then Bretton will file a Motion with the Court requesting that any illegally obtained evidence by excluded. He will ensure that you are prepared for trial and will be in regular contact throughout the process. These are serious charges and Bretton treats them accordingly. In addition to Phoenix we represent defendants in other Maricopa County cities such as Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert. We also assist Pima County residents in Tucson.
Arizona attorney aggressively defending those accused of aggravated sexual assault
The most severe sexual assault charge a person can face is if there are allegations that a deadly weapon was used during the attack. A defendant may face twenty-five years to life in prison if the prosecution alleges that a gun or knife was used to control the victim. The more severe the injury sustained by the victim the more harsh a Judge will be during sentencing. When aggravated assault is charged it is important for a criminal defense attorney to approach the case from all angles available. This may mean discrediting witness testimony, disputing the way evidence was collected and stored, and throwing out incriminating statements that was procured illegally. If you have been accused of aggravated sexual assault you need an aggressive attorney who will protect your freedom and rights. Contact the Barber Law Group today.