Criminal Defense Attorney in Staten Island Secures Acquittal in a New York Rape Allegation Through Forensic Evidence Collaboration

The client sought representation after being arrested and charged with rape based on a complaint filed by an acquaintance with whom he had maintained a prior consensual relationship. 

Under New York Penal Law §130.35 and §130.20, rape allegations hinge on proof that sexual intercourse occurred without consent by forcible compulsion. 

Because rape is classified as a violent felony offense under New York law, the client faced exposure to significant prison time, post release supervision, and collateral consequences affecting employment and housing. 

Recognizing these risks, the client retained a criminal defense attorney in Staten Island with experience handling complex sex offense litigation. 

According to the complainant, the alleged incident occurred after the parties consumed alcohol together at her residence. 

Approximately one week later, the complainant reported that the defendant had ignored verbal resistance and used physical force to engage in sexual intercourse. 

Based primarily on the complainant’s statements and selected excerpts of text messages, prosecutors initiated charges asserting lack of consent and forcible compulsion as required under Penal Law §130.00(8). 

The defendant was arraigned and the matter was set for felony level proceedings under New York Criminal Procedure Law. 

The defense obtained complete text message and call logs exchanged before and after the alleged incident through lawful forensic extraction. 

These records contained repeated expressions of emotional warmth, voluntary communication, and future meeting plans initiated by the complainant. 

Under New York case law interpreting consent and credibility, such post incident conduct may be considered when assessing whether forcible compulsion occurred. 

The criminal defense attorney in Staten Island introduced this evidence to demonstrate inconsistency with typical behavioral patterns associated with non consensual encounters. 

In cooperation with an evidence investigation unit, the defense secured building entry logs, elevator footage, and hallway surveillance video. 

The recordings showed the complainant engaging in relaxed, voluntary physical proximity with the defendant before and after the alleged incident. 

There were no observable signs of distress, coercion, or resistance, directly undermining the prosecution’s theory. 

This objective evidence proved critical in rebutting allegations under Penal Law §130.35. 

After trial, the court concluded that the prosecution failed to establish forcible compulsion or lack of consent beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The judge cited inconsistencies in the complainant’s testimony, contradictions between statements and digital evidence, and the absence of corroborating physical proof. 

Pursuant to New York Criminal Procedure Law standards, these deficiencies required a verdict of not guilty. 

As a result, the client was fully acquitted and cleared of all rape charges, avoiding incarceration and sex offender registration. 

This case demonstrates that rape allegations must be evaluated through objective evidence rather than accusation alone. 

A criminal defense attorney in Staten Island can play a decisive role by preserving digital records, analyzing surveillance data, and enforcing procedural safeguards. 

Early and strategic legal intervention remains essential for anyone facing sex offense allegations under New York law.