Comedian Bill Cosby will be retried on sexual assault charges beginning Monday in the Philadelphia town of Norristown, Pa. The first trial Cosby faced ended in a mistrial last June.
Bill Cosby Being Retried
Cosby’s first trial on charges of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand, a former Temple University women’s basketball official, ended in a mistrial after juror deliberated for 52 hours. Immediately following that mistrial announcement, Montgomery County, Pa., District Attorney Kevin Steele announced he would retry Cosby.
A major judicial decision in announce of this retrial will allow five previous accusers of the comedian to testify. In the previous trial, only one previous accuser was allowed to take the stand. This decision will give prosecutors the chance to argue that Cosby is a serial sexual assaulter. This could be a crucial opening for the prosecution in that it brings up the legal concept of the “doctrine of chances,” which essentially says the more times the same person is accused of the same type of crime under the same circumstances, the less likely it is that accused was innocently involved in those situations.
Cosby has been accused of three counts of aggravated indecent assault after allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. Each count carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
In the pat few years, at least 60 women have stepped forward to publicly accuse Cosby of rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment. All of the alleged incidents occurred between the 1960s and 2000s and as a result, the statutes of limitation have expired for most of their cases, preventing the accusers from seeking criminal charges.
Cosby has won a series of civil cases filed against him by his accusers. Numerous civil cases still remain. The comedian is also facing defamation lawsuits or appeals of defamation suits in Massachusetts and California. All of those cases were filed by accusers who say their reputations were damaged when Cosby and his legal team said they were not telling the truth. Cosby also faces a sexual battery lawsuit in California.
Los Angeles Sex Crime Attorneys
Our Los Angeles sex crime attorneys advise and represent people charged with sex crimes ranging from indecent exposure to rape. To learn how our resourceful approach to client service in criminal defense can benefit you, contact our Los Angeles office for a free consultation.
Sex Crime Charges in Los Angeles
We provide legal defense for the following sex crimes:
- Forcible rape
- Statutory rape
- Simple or aggravated sexual assault
- Date rape or acquaintance rape
- Prostitution offenses
- Internet sex crimes
- Online solicitation of a minor for sex
- Pandering
- Child pornography possession, distribution or manufacture
- Child Molestation
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Harassment
- Sex Offender Registration
- Exhibitionism
Is it possible to have your name removed from the sex offender registry?
Many people listed in the sex offender registry that have committed a non-violent crimes or offenses involving consensual adults may have their names removed. This would involve filing a claim with the state’s department of justice (DOJ). Our Los Angeles sex crime attorneys can help guide you through the process.
Hire an Attorney
A criminal defense attorney will be able to respond to and defend you against the allegations you are facing. You should contact one as soon as you are informed of the charges. They will be able to provide you with guidance and next steps on how to proceed.
Stay Away Accuser
Stay away from the accuser until you have a chance to legally defend yourself. Chances are there will be an evidentiary hearing where you will be able to state your side of the case. Until then, avoid the accuser so that he or she will not be able to make further accusations.
If you must be near the accuser, due to employment or child custody arrangements, try to ensure a third party is always present so that he or she can act as a witness. Additionally, try to limit communication and try to ensure that all communication is in written form – via text or email. Any communication should state the facts. Do not contact the person via social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Remember that everything you say or write can be held against you in a court of law.
Control Emotions
Being accused of sexual assault is frustrating and angering. But you need to try to keep your emotions in line. This means being responsible about your next steps and how you protect yourself. Do not approach the accuser with attempts to defend yourself. Try to keep a calm head.
Assess Motives
Working with your attorney, try to asses any motive your accuser may have for the false allegations. Often times a jealous ex will make attempts to get back at his or her partner. If you believe the sex was consensual, were there other circumstances involved, such as alcohol or drug use that might have caused you or your accuser to become hazy about the events? A criminal defense attorney might be able to help you uncover any motive that may exist. This motive can assist a defense attorney should the case go to trial, or during the process of negotiating.
Detailed Account
If you can, provide your attorney with a detailed account of the events that led to the accusations. You should tell your lawyer everything, even details you think might not be pertinent. You never know what detail a lawyer may be able to use to help you win your case.
Witnesses
Do you have any witnesses that might have seen the interaction? Do you have an alibi? Are there character witnesses that can attest to both yours and your accuser’s potential motives?
Defense of Sex Crime Charges in Los Angeles
There are two main approaches to the defense of sex crimes. First, we can investigate the facts and review the evidence supporting the charges to see where weaknesses in the case against you can help us develop a trial defense and leverage for plea negotiations. Next, we can work toward a compromise with the prosecutor by emphasizing the facts that work in your favor.
Criminal defense attorney Daniel Perlman concentrates on the creative solutions that can take full advantage of the strengths of your legal position while protecting you from the most serious potential consequences of serious felony charges.
While we are developing and presenting your defense to the charges you are facing now, we also keep in mind the importance of protecting your long-range interests. Are you a foreign national at risk of deportation? Are you a licensed professional who might face discipline before your licensing board? If you accept a good plea offer, will you have to register as a sex offender anyway? We take all of these considerations into account for your defense strategy.
Whether you want to take your case to trial or negotiate a plea is up to you. You can depend on our Los Angeles sex crime defense attorneys to give you the legal and practical advice necessary to guide a sound decision. Contact us online or call 213-514-8324 or 213-514-8324 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Being accused of a sex crime can be extremely intimidating. You deserve to know that your lawyer is doing everything possible to protect your interests. To discuss how our Los Angeles sex crimes attorneys can help you, contact us at 213-514-8324, at 213-514-8324 or by e-mail today.
The criminal defense lawyers at Daniel Perlman Law in Los Angeles will put our experience to work for you. We believe every defendant has the right to a zealous defense. We offer free initial consultations and will usually quote a flat fee that will cover all the services necessary for your case, including trial. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, call 877-887-4541 or contact us by e-mail.
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