what happens if a county attorney will not file chages for rape

by Prof. Keaton Schulist 7 min read

If this arraignment doesn't happen within 48 hours of arrest, then the jail must set the suspect free. This means that if the suspect is in custody, the DA must review the police report and decide which, if any, charges to file well within the 48 hour period, or the suspect will be set free.

Full Answer

What happens if you are accused of rape without an attorney?

Jul 22, 2021 · Technically, yes, this is the answer most criminal defense lawyers | attorneys will give you; however, in practice, we see lower level crimes being filed within 2-6 weeks with a few going at as far as 3 months and even out to 12 months plus, in a couple of unique circumstances (sometimes prosecuting attorney offices hold off on filing charges on a large number of cases …

How can I get statutory rape charges dropped?

Dec 18, 2017 · You may be able to recant your statements, but you risk facing charges for lying to the police if you do so and there is no guarantee that the statutory rape charges will be dropped as a result of your recantation. After you have accused someone of statutory rape, the police will create a report and forward it to the district attorney’s office.

What happens after a rape case is charged?

Jan 01, 2020 · People who do not file their lawsuit within this two-year period may lose their right to sue, even if the defendant is eventually prosecuted. However, if felony criminal charges are brought and the defendant is convicted, the victim has one year from the date on which the judgment is pronounced to file suit – even if the claim would otherwise be time-barred. 2

Can you recant a statutory rape claim?

Jan 26, 2017 · For rape, you file lawsuit against them for damages caused by assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and/or false imprisonment. But you can also file a lawsuit against other third parties if their actions, or negligence, directly contributed to the crime, including: Landlords, renters, and innkeepers. Employers and businesses.

How do you solve a rape case?

Rape Risk ReductionSecure your car and home. ... Avoid unsafe situations and strangers. ... Flee if you are in a potentially dangerous situation. ... Engage in passive or active resistance. ... Think! ... You are responsible for your own safety. ... Don't let a stranger inside your home to use the phone; make the call for him.More items...

How long can you get for attempted rape?

What is the sentence for attempted rape? Whether the charge is that of rape or of attempted rape, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. A custodial sentence is inevitable if a person is found guilty of attempted rape, with the minimum sentence usually sitting at 3-5 years.

What evidence is needed to prosecute a rape case?

In a rape case, the state must prove that the defendant had sexual intercourse with another person or caused another person to engage in sexual intercourse and that it was against that person's will or without their consent and that it was by force, threat, or intimidation.

What is the punishment for attempting rape?

Highlighting this difference, the Supreme Court has said that a man who is caught preparing to rape a woman cannot be charged under section 376 of the IPC, which provides for a minimum punishment of seven years in prison.Nov 19, 2013

Prosecuting Attorneys Make Charging Decisions on Their Schedule, Not Yours.

The decision to file a charge is always the decision of the local city, county or state prosecuting attorney and every one of these offices makes c...

Cases Can Be Filed Anytime within The Statute of Limitations of Each Crime.

Almost every kind of criminal charge in Washington has a limited time in which charges can be filed. This concept is called the Statute of Limitati...

So You Are saying, “I Could Have to Wait For A Year Or More?”

Technically, yes, this is the answer most criminal defense lawyers | attorneys will give you; however, in practice, we see lower level crimes being...

Who can sue for sexual assault, abuse or battery in California?

Anyone who has been the victim of unwanted touching or an unwanted sexual act can sue for damages. Families of victims may also be able to sue if:...

Do I need to file criminal charges first or can I just file a lawsuit?

California law does not require a criminal conviction or even a police report for victims of crime to sue for damages. Victims of sexual assault or...

What is the burden of proof in a civil lawsuit for sexual assault?

In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt." This can be difficult to do in sexual assault cases, where conse...

How long do I have to bring a civil lawsuit for sexual assault or abuse?

In California, people who were adults at the time of a sexual assault have two years from the date of the assault to sue for damages.

Can another party be held responsible?

When we think of sexual assault, we usually think in terms of a victim and a perpetrator. But the law imposes liability on anyone who violates a du...

What is Robert Rhodes' background?

With a successful background in law, courtrooms, wrestling, rugby and jujitsu, Robert Rhodes’s nature is well-suited for argument and litigation. Mr. Rhodes knows how to talk clearly and directly to his clients, adversaries and to the Court. His common sense, straight talk and experience put his clients immediately at ease. Mr. Rhodes does not do anything half way and you will sense this when you meet him. Read more >>

What is the charge based on?

There are things you can do in the investigation stage of a case to help, but a charging decision is based on (1) the facts the prosecutor has (2) is there any immediate need to file and (3) the statute of limitations of the crime.

How long can you file a criminal charge in Washington?

Almost every kind of criminal charge in Washington has a limited time in which charges can be filed. This concept is called the Statute of Limitations and there are only 6 serious crimes that do not have such a time limit (murder being one of them which is why you hear of charges being filed 30 years later). The statute of limitations varies from 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for gross misdemeanors or longer depending on the type of felony alleged. If you know the particular crime you may be charged with, you can look this up in this statute. So, technically, prosecutors have until the end of this time period to file; however, there are motions that can be filed to dismiss charges if the delay was unfair and prejudicial to the defendant. Also read the statute carefully, this period of time does “not run during any time when the person charged is not usually and publicly resident within this state”.

What does it mean when a case does not get filed?

The fact that a particular case did not get filed quickly does not mean that someone will not be charged with a crime, though this is possible. It is also equally possible that the prosecuting attorney did not see your case as a priority and is getting to it.

How long is the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor?

The statute of limitations varies from 1 year for misdemeanors, 2 years for gross misdemeanors or longer depending on the type of felony alleged. If you know the particular crime you may be charged with, you can look this up in this statute.

How long does it take to file a criminal case?

Technically, yes, this is the answer most criminal defense lawyers | attorneys will give you; however, in practice, we see lower level crimes being filed within 2-6 weeks with a few going at as far as 3 months and even out to 12 months plus, in a couple of unique circumstances (sometimes prosecuting attorney offices hold off on filing charges on a large number of cases because they are waiting on the outcome of a pending appeal). With serious felonies, it really depends on the facts and a consultation is necessary. We have seen charges happen within a month, or we have seen charging decisions linger as long as 1-2 years depending on the evidence and scope of the investigation. As part of our representation and investigation of cases, we touch base with the investigating detective to get an idea of how long they expect to take to finish their reports and/or process the evidence. This often gives us an idea of when the file will make it to a senior prosecuting attorney’s desk for a charging decision. Officers take vacations, sick leave happens; but, based on experience, we get a a rough idea of what is going on.

Who is Paul Wallin?

We will get through this together. AUTHOR: Paul Wallin. Paul Wallin is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Southern California.

Is rape a serious crime in California?

Statutory rape is a serious crime in California, but many alleged victims do not realize the harshness of this crime until they have already filed a report with police. Sometimes, when the accuser finds out that the alleged perpetrator is facing consequences that could have life-long effects, he or she wishes to take back his or her accusations ...

How long can you sue for sexual assault?

People who were adults at the time of a sexual assault have a two year time limit from the date of the assault to sue for damages in the civil court system. 1. Note that this is often a shorter period than the statute of limitations for prosecuting the defendant’s actions as a crime. People who do not file their lawsuit within this two-year period ...

Can you sue someone for sexual assault in California?

Victims of sexual assault in California: How to file a lawsuit. Victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse have the right to sue their perpetrators for damages. Any type of sex crime can serve as the basis for a civil lawsuit. Common acts that lead to sexual assault lawsuits include (but are not limited to): Rape,

What is malice in tort?

(1) “Malice” means conduct which is intended by the defendant to cause injury to the plaintiff or despicable conduct which is carried on by the defendant with a willful and conscious disregard of the rights or safety of others.

What is the number to call for child abuse?

You can also call the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline at (1-800) 4-A-Child (800.422.4453). The hotline is staffed 24/7.

What is rape shield law?

Most states have enacted ‘rape shield laws’ that prevent your sexual history from being brought up in trial. Also, while the matter of alcohol and drugs in your system might come up you will not have nearly the same amount of the scrutiny directly upon you as the victim.

Can you sue someone for rape?

For rape, you file lawsuit against them for damages caused by assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and/or false imprisonment. But you can also file a lawsuit against other third parties if their actions, or negligence, directly contributed to the crime, including: Landlords, renters, and innkeepers. Employers and businesses.

What to do if you are being accused of a crime?

If you are being accused of a crime, it is important for you to understand the process leading to charges being filed against you. This process can happen in one of two ways: 1. Pre-filing Investigation. An experienced Wallin & Klarich attorney may help you avoid facing any criminal charges.

How long is the statute of limitations for a felony?

For felony offenses, the statute of limitations is three years; or. With certain felony offenses, there is a longer statute of limitations. There is usually a gap between the time the police officer generates the police report and the time the prosecutor makes their filing decision. It is during this gap in time that your attorney is able ...

Why is it important to retain a criminal defense attorney?

2. Arrest and Police Report. Oftentimes, a police officer makes a physical arrest of the accused and takes him or her to jail without an initial investigation.

What happens when a police officer gathers evidence?

Once the police officer has gathered sufficient evidence, he or she will meet with the prosecutor and present all of the evidence that the officer has obtained, including physical evidence, statements from witnesses, or even your own statements. The officer may recommend certain charges, but only the prosecutor has the power to formally file ...

What happens if you are arrested?

If you are arrested, or think you may be arrested, any delay in retaining an attorney to defend you will put you at a significant disadvantage. Oftentimes, your attorney can have the most impact on the outcome of your case before the decision to file has been made. You should hire a skilled defense attorney right away.

What to do if you are charged with a crime?

If you have been unexpectedly charged with a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. You cannot rely on assurances from the victim that he or she is not pressing charges and hope that everything will be okay.

Who decides whether to charge someone with a crime?

From there, the prosecutor or district attorney will decide whether to charge anyone with a crime. What the victim thinks is the appropriate punishment for the alleged perpetrator does factor into the prosecutor’s decision – especially given the recently passed Marsy’s Law.

What to Do First

  • If you have been charged with rape, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible. You should also: 1. gather and preserve any physical evidence relating to the alleged victim and the incident (clothing, photos, videos, and objects) 2. gather and preserve any documents or records that could relate to the case, such as letters, emails, records that might show where you were at th…
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What Not to Do

  • Just as important as preserving evidence and recording important information is knowing what notto do. If you are facing rape charges, you should not: 1. try to talk to the victim about the case or have any contact with the victim 2. talk to law enforcement or other investigators without an attorney present, or 3. ask for or agree to testing that is not mandatory—such as DNA testing pri…
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Possible Consequences of Being Charged with Rape

  • The most obvious and serious concern if you are charged with rape is that you could be convicted of the crime. A rape conviction has serious potential consequences. A defendant could be: 1. sentenced to time in jail or prison, including a potential life sentence under certain circumstances, in some states 2. placed on probation for an extended period, and 3. required to register as a se…
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How Legal Representation Can Help

  • Because of the possible consequences, no one should face a rape charge without being represented by an attorney.
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