Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyers Blog
Police have an obligation to investigate all accusations. However, when accusations involve claims of sexual assault, it may not always be easy for authorities to gain sufficient evidence to gain a conviction. Although details of an alleged incident between two students at a private school are unclear, police have recently arrested a private school student in Georgia and charged him with rape.
According to reports, the alleged victim sought treatment at a hospital. Hospital staff then contacted police. Police say that an investigation — including interviews with the victim as well as other parties — led them to believe that there is probable cause to make an arrest and file charges.
The accuser and the defendant reportedly attend the same private school. Police say that they do not believe that the reported attack was random but that both parties knew each other. They also claim that they do not believe that there are other victims. The 18-year-old defendant, currently in jail, is charged with statutory rape and rape.
In all cases, prosecutors must be able to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to gain a conviction. Without corroborating witnesses, it is often difficult to meet this standard of proof in cases alleging rape. The teenager who faces such charges in Georgia is likely scared about his future and potentially confused about what to expect from the criminal justice system. Fortunately, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help guide him through the process, ensuring that he has the necessary information to make informed decisions about his case.
Source: Alpharetta, GA Patch, “Student Charged With Raping Classmate at Private School“, Kristal Dixon, April 27, 2017