Facing sexual assault charges can have a detrimental effect on your current and future life and opportunities. Not only can these charges affect your employment opportunities, but they can also affect your housing options and permanently damage your reputation. If you are convicted of a sex crime, it can be difficult to ever restore your reputation. You need an experienced attorney who isn’t afraid to fight to protect your freedom and your good name.
For more than 20 years, Josh Lee & Associates has aggressively defended the rights and innocence of clients in Oklahoma City and across Oklahoma, including those accused of sexual assault. Our lead Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney, Josh Lee, believes in fighting for your future, not settling every case through a plea deal. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to fight for you.
Why Choose Us?
Convictions for sex crimes carry harsh penalties, and your reputation may never recover after you are found guilty. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions in these types of cases, so you need an attorney who will fight just as hard to defend your innocence. Our founding attorney, Josh Lee, has devoted his 20+ year career to protecting the rights of the accused. He knows how to find unique ways to get the results you desire.
At Josh Lee & Associates, you will never be just another case number. You will get the personal attention you deserve, and you will always have direct access to your attorney. Our Oklahoma City sex crimes lawyer will perform our own thorough investigation of the case, and we will work with you to put together a defense strategy aimed at getting you the best possible outcome. Give us a call now to let us get started.
Charges And Elements Of A Sexual Assault Case
The term “sexual assault” is quite broad and includes a number of different charges. Under Oklahoma law, sexual assault is defined as “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the recipient” (Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 112).
The law goes on to list several examples of behavior that may be covered, such as forced sexual intercourse, child molestation, and fondling. It is also worth noting that the law specifically states that an attempt to commit one of these acts is still considered sexual assault.
In Oklahoma, there are various charges for sexual assault, including:
- First-degree rape
- Second-degree or statutory rape
- Rape by instrumentation
- Indecent proposal to persons under 16 years of age
- Sexual battery
Elements that must be proven in a sexual assault case include:
- Occurrence of the act or attempt
- Identification of the perpetrator
- Lack of consent
- Intent to commit the act
- Age difference (for statutory rape)
Some sexual crimes require an element of force, and the law specifically addresses what is meant by the term “force.” The law says that, for purposes of a sexual crime, force means “any force, no matter how slight, necessary to accomplish the act without the consent of the victim” (Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 111). It goes on to say that the force does not necessarily have to be physical force. It may also include fear, fright, or coercion used against the alleged victim.
Due to these small details and nuances in the law, you need an experienced attorney who knows every aspect of the sexual assault laws. Josh Lee & Associates can effectively challenge the prosecution’s case, seeking the most favorable outcome for you. We can look for ways to use these small details to turn the prosecution’s case upside down and help you keep your freedom.
Consequences Of A Sexual Assault Conviction
Sexual assault cases are taken very seriously in Oklahoma, and the penalties for a conviction can be quite severe. Depending on the charge, the sentences may include the following:
- Life in prison or death for first-degree rape
- Imprisonment
- Registration as a sexual offender
- Probation or parole
- Fines and restitution
In addition to the penalties you face from the criminal justice system, a sex crime conviction will have lasting effects on your record and reputation. Having a conviction for one of these crimes on your record can greatly limit your employment opportunities, and housing options, and even limit your ability to visit certain places, such as schools, daycares, and other areas where children may be present.
Additionally, it can lead to increased penalties for subsequent charges or even other types of charges. For instance, once you are required to register as a sex offender, you can face charges for failing to update your registration if you change your place of residence. Facing these severe consequences, it is important to have a skilled attorney like Josh Lee to defend your rights.
Interacting With Law Enforcement
If you are contacted by law enforcement, it is important to avoid speaking to them about the charges without legal representation. This is to avoid inadvertently incriminating yourself or providing information that could be used against you in court. Remember that you have a legal right to remain silent, and that is usually the best option. You are under no obligation to assist the police with their investigation against you, and this applies both before and after arrest.
Law enforcement can sometimes be very aggressive when questioning people suspected of sexual assault or other sex crimes. They can make it seem like your cooperation with the investigation will help you in the long run. However, that is not the case. Instead, invoke your right to remain silent and invoke your right to an attorney. Once you invoke this right, their questioning must stop. Contact the office of Josh Lee & Associates as soon as possible and let us help you put together a defense to get the best possible outcome.
Interaction With The Alleged Victim
Any interaction with the alleged victim should be avoided, as it can potentially be construed as intimidation or harassment. This can further complicate your case and lead to additional charges. This includes any type of interaction with the alleged victim. Do not communicate with them via social media, text message, or any other manner. If the alleged victim attempts to communicate with you, do not respond. Instead, inform your attorney so that your attorney can handle the situation for you.
What Does A Defense Strategy Look Like?
Just because you have been accused of a crime does not always mean that you are guilty. We understand that some people may not want to listen to your side of the story after you have been accused of sexual assault. However, at Josh Lee & Associates, we will listen to every detail of your story. Even minor details that may seem insignificant to some could be the key to a winning defense strategy. A sexual assault defense strategy should be aimed at:
- Challenging the accuser’s credibility
- Presenting alibi evidence
- Highlighting inconsistencies
- Questioning forensic evidence
- Demonstrating a lack of intent or consent
- Investigating false accusation motives
Each element is meticulously crafted by Josh Lee & Associates to help secure a favorable outcome for your case. We will use our 20+ years of experience, along with the details of your story and our own investigation of the facts, to put together the best strategy for your situation. Contact us today to let us get started working for you.
Protecting Your Reputation
It is incredibly important to protect your reputation during this time. Do not discuss the allegations on social media, with your friends or in response to questions from the media. Silence is always the better option. It can be difficult or almost impossible to rebuild a damaged reputation, and few allegations can damage your reputation as bad as being accused of a sex crime.
The founding attorney at Josh Lee & Associates has devoted his 20+ year career to protecting the rights of the accused and helping them protect their reputations. We know what it takes to defend yourself against these types of charges, and we can help you prevent your reputation from being tarnished. Reach out to our office today to learn how we can help.
Speak to an Oklahoma City Sexual Assault Lawyer Now
If you are facing charges or allegations of sexual assault or another sex crime, contact Josh Lee & Associates today. The prosecution will work tirelessly to convict you, so you need a trusted ally in your corner who can help protect your legal rights. Let our sexual assault attorney in Oklahoma City, OK be your trusted ally and use our 20+ years of criminal law experience to help fight the charges against you. To book your free, confidential consultation with a sex crimes lawyer, send an email or call (405) 759-5529 today.
