Evidence Folder Used in a Sex Crime Defense Case Izquierdo LawIf you have been arrested and charged with a sex crime in Florida, you have rights like any other criminal defendant. You have the right to know what you are being charged with and to hire an attorney before you give a statement to the police—which the Izquierdo Law Firm highly recommends you do. When facing an accusation of rape or sexual assault, it is especially important to protect your right to see the evidence the prosecution has against you. In this article, we explain why and take a look at the criminal process.

Is it Just Her Word Against Yours?

Sometimes in sexual battery cases, the only evidence the prosecution has is the accuser’s statement. If you are innocent of the charges, you may believe there couldn’t possibly be any other evidence. That is why it is so important for the defense team to know if the prosecution has additional evidence, such as witness statements, video footage, or DNA. Under Florida’s Rules of Criminal Procedure, the prosecution will have to disclose this evidence during a process known as discovery.

What Kind of Evidence Is Disclosed During Discovery?

After charges are formally filed against you, your attorney will file a notice of discovery, which will require the prosecution to disclose any evidence they collect. It also obligates your defense attorney to reveal any evidence he has collected and plans to present on your behalf in court. Within 15 days of filing the notice of discovery, the prosecution will have to disclose and allow the defendant to inspect, copy, test, and photograph evidence, including the following:

  • A list of the names and addresses of all persons known to the prosecutor to have information that may be relevant to any offense charged, including eyewitnesses, alibi witnesses, investigating officers, expert witnesses, and informants
  • Statements made by any of the people named on the witness list
  • Written or recorded statements and the substance of any oral statements made by the defendant
  • Any papers or other materials obtained from the defendant
  • Evidence gathered by electronic surveillance of the defendant, including wiretapping,  and any relevant documents
  • Documents seized during searches by investigators
  • Reports or statements of experts, including results of physical or mental examinations and of scientific tests, experiments, or comparisons
  • Any material in the possession of law enforcement that could be tested for DNA

In addition to these specific materials and documents, the prosecutor is required to disclose to the defendant any information within the state’s possession or control that negates the guilt of the defendant. This is known as exculpatory evidence and could get a case dismissed.

The point of the discovery process is to ensure the fairness of a criminal trial, but also to facilitate settlement of cases before going to trial, which saves the state time and money.

Florida’s Rape Shield Law

While we are discussing evidence in sexual assault cases, it’s important to note that many states, including Florida, have what is known as a rape shield law. This law limits the kind of evidence a defendant may introduce in his own defense, including any evidence of the victim’s past sexual conduct. In Florida, defendants are barred from introducing evidence of the victims' prior consensual sexual relationships. These laws were put in place to protect the privacy and character of sexual assault victims.

Allow Your Attorney to Do His Job

Sexual battery charges are very serious. You may believe that you will not be convicted because there couldn’t possibly be evidence against you, but you would be taking a big risk if you don’t hire an experienced private attorney to represent you. 

Are You Need Of A Florida Sex Crimes Defense Attorney?

If you've been accused of a sex crime in Florida you need to speak with an experienced sex crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. Contact me online or call my Miami office at 305.707.7345 today. We will discuss options for your defense and do everything we can to protect your rights and fight the charges.

 

Daniel Izquierdo
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Coral Gables defense lawyer helping clients accused of Federal Crimes, DUI, Domestic Violence & Sex Crimes.