Sexual Assault--Rape

Practice Areas > Sex Crimes > Rape, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Sexual Assault

Texas Criminal Attorney Erick Platten

Rape is the common name for sexual assault.  Contrary to what you may believe the Texas Penal Code does not use the word rape to describe a criminal offense. The bottom line is they don’t have to! We all know what it means and when we hear it we immediately start thinking about the worse type of crime that can be committed. A huge concern for the person charged with rape is that society is unrelenting.  You will be ostracized in your community, you will be questioned by your friends and family, and you may even be released by your employer.  And even if these people believe in your innocence often their hands are tied and they can’t support you outwardly in public.

Like sexual assault there are few things that can bring such changes to your life like an accusation of rape.  If you are charged with rape or being investigated for a sexual assault charge you need to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer that handles sex cases immediately.  Do not make any statements.  Do not go to the police and answer any questions.  Contact Erick Platten so he can shut down any and all attempts by law enforcement to question you and you how your case should be handled.

Often a rape investigation will start with the detective at the local Police Department making the effort to accumulate as much evidence as possible.  He already has the alleged victim’s statement, has sent the physical evidence to the lab for a forensic exam, and now they are talking to witnesses to corroborate the information given by the alleged victim. The next stop would be to pursue the alleged perpetrator. Most likely, when you are the subject of a sexual assault investigation the detective will “offer” you the opportunity to tell your side. Many times he will even tell you that they haven’t made up their mind and they are just trying to get as much information as possible before they take it to the district attorney’s office. They will look you in the eyes and tell you that there has been no decision on charges yet. Other times they may use intimidation with statements like, “if you don’t tell me anything different I will be left with no choice but to seek an arrest warrant for you”. Don’t buy it!  At this time it would be best to consult with the Platten Law Office.