As a parent you expect your kids to go to college and go through a great experience that sets them up for a prosperous future. Unfortunately, some parents have to go through a difficult situation knowing their kids have been charged with rape. While this may seem like the end of the road for your son or daughter, there are ways they can defend themselves against these charges.
Our New Jersey rape defense lawyers at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can help uphold and defend your rights throughout the entire process. To learn more about your case and how we can help you during this difficult time, call our law offices today for a free, confidential consultation at (609) 641-2266.
What Happens If You Are Accused of Rape at Rowan University
A person who is accused of and convicted for rape will likely face severe consequences. Rape is a considered a second-degree felony, which can be punishable with up to 10 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. If there are aggravating factors, the defendant can face up to 20 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines. These are some of the potential outcomes of a rape case taking place on campus. In addition to these severe consequences, you may be required to register as a sex offender, which can make your overall life extremely difficult.
If you are ever accused of rape in college, you will likely face an uphill battle against school administrators and your peers. Different from the traditional court of law proceedings, a campus rape case is handled via the administrative process. When you enter into this process, you are automatically presumed guilty. This means you will need to prove your innocence to prevail. Unlike traditional adversarial proceedings, in a campus rape case, you may not have the right to cross-examine your accuser or appeal an unfavorable determination.
Even more astonishing, your silence may be used as grounds for expelling you. However, if you talk and respond to the administration’s questions, that information may be relayed to the authorities, rendering you defenseless and placing you at the mercy of the authorities in a formal criminal procedure.
Our skilled, experienced, and battle-tested defense lawyers can help you fight off any accusations and make sure all those against you hear your side of your story. Do not face your accusers alone as it may prove to be ineffective against a resourceful university.
Defenses Available for Students Accused of Rape
Fortunately, there are ways you can fight the charges against you. Several arguments can be brought up by your defense that can help you prove your innocence. For instance, one of the arguments that can be brought up is consent. Consent can play a critical role in your rape case. You can argue that the alleged victim consented or permitted you to engage in a lawful sexual activity.
You can also allege your accuser had motives to press rape charges against you. As unbelievable as it may seem, some people have no scruples and do anything to harm, tarnish, or destroy another person’s reputation due to things like jealousy or rejection. You can also defend yourself against rape charges by presenting an “alibi.” An alibi means you can prove you were not the person the victim alleges because you were at another place at the time of the commission of the crime.
Being charged with campus rape is not the end of the road for the accused. While facing these charges can be difficult, there are ways to prevent you from suffering the devastating consequences associated with a conviction of this nature. There are always two sides of a story, and you need to understand that there are Constitutional rights that protect you against violations to your due process. Every person has the right to prove their innocence and have access to a fair, unbiased trial.
Proving your innocence requires presenting evidence supporting your defense arguments. This can be achieved by an experienced, skilled, and capable lawyer who’s familiar with the state’s laws pertaining to sexual crimes. Our knowledgeable rape defense lawyers can help you protect your rights at all times.
NJ Criminal Defense Attorneys Representing Students Accused of Rape at Rowan University
Facing a criminal charge in New Jersey can be a daunting, stressful, and terrifying experience. The legal consequences a rape conviction can carry are capable of changing the entire course of your life. However, you do not have to go through this moment alone. If your son or daughter has been accused of rape at Rowan University, our New Jersey rape defense attorneys at the Law Offices of John J. Zarych can help. We understand how difficult rape charges can be, especially when you are on your way to get a degree. That is why we dedicate our efforts to making sure your voice is heard, and your side of the story is considered by the parties involved. To learn more about your case, in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (609) 641-2266.
