Can I Be Convicted of a Sex Crime Without Physical Evidence?
Yes. Tragically, you can be convicted of a sex crime in Nashville, TN, without physical evidence. Sex crimes typically come down to one person’s story against another’s, and convictions can happen based on someone’s word alone. If you’re accused, you cannot afford to assume the truth will sort itself out. The earlier you act, the better chance you have to protect your name, your freedom, and your future.
At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, we’ve successfully defended people who were accused of a sex crime without any physical proof. We can do the same for you. Let’s get started by discussing your case in a free consultation with our Nashville, TN, sex crime lawyers today.
When There’s No Physical Evidence
Most people assume you need DNA, photos, or some sort of undeniable physical proof to be convicted of a sex crime. In reality, you don’t. Under TN law, the testimony of a credible witness, without corroboration, can be enough to support a conviction. This means that if someone accuses you and the jury believes them, you can be found guilty even if there’s no forensic evidence.
In State v. Cristobal Jose Vasquez, for instance, the court upheld an aggravated sexual battery conviction based solely on the alleged victim’s detailed and consistent account. The court found her credibility sufficient, even though no physical evidence was presented at trial. That’s not rare. In sex crime cases, juries are often asked to decide between two conflicting stories. The outcome can hinge entirely on who seems more believable.
That’s why your defense needs to do more than poke holes in the case against you. It needs to show the full picture of who you are, what the relationship was (if any), and what evidence the prosecution doesn’t have.
What Makes These Cases So Difficult and How a Nashville, TN, Sex Crime Lawyer Can Help
Sex offense cases, particularly those involving no physical evidence, tend to stir intense emotions. Prosecutors often lean on sympathy and will highlight the courage it takes for the alleged victim to come forward or suggest that any inconsistency in your story proves guilt.
The penalties for a sex crime conviction in TN are severe. For instance, a rape conviction can land you in prison for eight to 30 years. You likewise face mandatory sex offender registration and lifelong restrictions on where you live and work. The damage to your name, your job, and your relationships can be immediate and irreversible, even before the trial. That’s why waiting to see how things go is the most dangerous move you can make.
When you work with a Nashville, TN, sex crime attorney, they will scrutinize the timeline and any evidence against you. They will gather texts, location data, social media posts, and any third-party witness accounts that can shed light on what really happened. In many cases, small inconsistencies in the accuser’s version of events make a big difference in how a jury sees the case.
They will likewise examine the motive. Is it a jealous ex? A misunderstanding that spiraled? You’d be surprised how common a seemingly airtight accusation starts to fall apart once you look closely at what was said and what wasn’t.
Get Legal Guidance From Our Nashville, TN, Sex Crime Attorneys Now
If you’re being investigated or charged with a sex offense, you need a defense strategy now. Reach Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, online or at 615-846-9889 to schedule your free case assessment and learn how our Nashville, TN, sex crime lawyers can defend you.