Legal Question in Criminal Law in Oregon

sexual abuse and sexual deviant

After dateing a woman and haveing sex with her for over a month, she goes to the police and had me arrested for sexual abuse and deviant behavior. I have been given a court appointed atty.He tells me now it's been handed over to the state.It goes to trial Jan.14.I've never been in trouble before.How can the way we make love for a month be ok one day then turn around and be aressted for it the next? I just need to know what to expect for an outcome of this. Am I looking at prison time? Is my life marked with this forever? Does a court apointed atty. fight for me?


Asked on 12/29/02, 4:24 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David DenHartigh Attorney at Law

Re: sexual abuse and sexual deviant

Without reading the police reports and without conducting a thorough investigation, I would not want to advise you about your case. You must demand the answers from your lawyer and make sure you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case before making a decision to plead not guilty and go to trial or enter a plea of guilty or no contest. Your lawyer should also inform you of the range of sentences that could be imposed. Many sex offenses involve lengthy reporting requirements. I don't know enough about your case to advise you about range of sentences that could be imposed if you're found guilty. Keep good communication with your lawyer and be helpful in your defense by following your lawyers instructions. Some court-appointed lawyers do a good job and some don't. If you have reason to believe your lawyer is doing a bad job, let the court know in writing if you want another lawyer and ask for a hearing on that issue. You'll need good reasons to convince the court to dismiss your lawyer and appoint another lawyer.

Read more
Answered on 12/29/02, 8:16 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Oregon