Strategies for Defending Against a Sex Crime Charge in Tennessee 

 Posted on March 16, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Sex crimes can be among the most severe and challenging criminal cases to defend against. In Tennessee, depending on the specific charge, a conviction can result in severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, sex offender registration, and other lifelong consequences. Therefore, in order to successfully defend against a sex crimes charge, it is essential to hire a criminal defense attorney and begin considering a variety of legal strategies you may be able to employ to defeat the charges. Today, we are going to discuss some of these legal strategies. 

Consider These Strategies When Facing a Sex Crimes Charge

Here are some potential legal strategies that may be used to defeat a sex crimes charge:

• Challenge the evidence – The first strategy to consider is to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. This could involve questioning the witnesses’ credibility or the physical evidence’s accuracy. It may also include challenging the validity of search warrants or other legal procedures to obtain evidence. 

• Argue consent – Another possible strategy is to argue that the alleged sexual activity was consensual. This may involve presenting evidence of the alleged sufferer’s prior sexual behavior or communications that suggest consent. This defense can be challenging, as it requires proving that the sexual activity was voluntary and that the alleged sufferer did not revoke consent at any point.

• Alibi defense – An alibi defense involves presenting evidence that the defendant was elsewhere at the time of the alleged offense and, therefore, could not have committed the crime.

• Attack the credibility of the accuser – One possible strategy is to attack the credibility of the alleged sufferer. This could include presenting evidence of prior false accusations or other misconduct. It could also involve challenging the consistency of the accuser’s statements or highlighting inconsistencies in their behavior. 

• Present professional testimony – For example, a medical professional called to the witness stand may be able to provide evidence that is inconsistent with the accuser’s account of events. 

• Challenge legal procedures – This may involve arguing that the search or arrest was illegal or that the prosecution has violated the defendant’s constitutional rights. 

Contact a Knoxville, TN Criminal Defense Attorney

Ultimately, the strategy you and your attorney decide on will depend upon your particular case and situation. Contact the experienced Knox County criminal defense lawyer with Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney to begin building your defense. Call 865-281-1000 for a free consultation.  

Source:

https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tbi/documents/Definitions%20of%20Tennessee%20Sexual%20Offenses%20and%20Violent%20Sexual%20Offenses.pdf