In sexual assault cases, very often it comes down to just what the victim says and what the defendant says. How does the jury decide? What would keep a person from making a false claim against someone if all you need is your testimony to get a conviction?

Unfortunately, numerous instances include only circumstantial evidence that leaves room for doubt, making it difficult to press criminal charges. Criminal cases require concrete evidence.

Witnesses
To convince a jury or court of sexual assault, witnesses who agree with your story are very helpful. They increase a plaintiff’s credibility. The testimony of other survivors is also extremely helpful.

Physical Proof
Physical proof is strong evidence for any sexual assault case. If survivors come forward immediately after, a sexual assault kit collects evidence that is highly useful in court, including pictures, DNA samples and more.

However, many who are assaulted may not come forward for an extended period, making this proof difficult to obtain. For those times, do not lose hope; there are other forms of evidence used in court.

Contact
Almost 80% of sexual assault survivors know their assailant. It is highly likely individuals who sexually assault others will contact them before or after the experience.

Keep records of any contact with the defendant, including communication at work, in your personal life or with friends.

Photos and Documents
Similar to other crime scenes, evidence from the scene itself also plays a part in civil cases.
Trace and pattern evidence, such as hair follicles or shoe prints, can prove individuals were at the scene.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550