A Georgia man who was accused of the brutal rape of a woman he met at a Sandy Springs bar was arrested four days after the alleged incident and now faces several felony charges.
The alleged assault happened at an apartment complex after the 40-year-old man and an unidentified woman acquaintance left the bar one evening. The victim claims the accused broke her jaw and at least one rib and caused other injuries in addition to sexually assaulting her.
Working with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Sandy Springs Police officers traced the man to a friend’s apartment in East Point. He was arrested there and taken to police headquarters for questioning.
The man was previously arrested in April 2013 on charges of harassment and for driving infractions.
Sex crimes such as rape or sexual assault hold the potential for lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines if someone is convicted on these charges. These accusations are among the most damaging charges anyone can face. Mere allegations can cause trouble for a person and be distressing for family members and friends. Both current and future employment opportunities can be jeopardized. Conviction will require that a person be included on a sex offender registry, making that person the subject of police surveillance.
Georgia residents who face such allegations should be aware of their rights. Those arrested should invoke their Miranda rights and immediately consult an attorney. If need be and if advised by an attorney, they can then invoke their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination during trial.
Legal representation can help establish a strong defense that can scrutinize evidence and witness accounts. A qualified legal professional can help determine if there were any flaws in procedures or if police acted inappropriately during any investigation or the arrest itself, potentially leading to reduced or even dismissed charges.
Source: 11alive.com, “Sandy Springs Suspect Accused of Brutal Rape Arrested,” Julie Wolfe, Nov. 8, 2013
