1. Criminal Law Firm New York City | Client Background and Initial Exposure
The client, a college student with no criminal history, was contacted by investigators following a complaint alleging non consensual intercourse.
Even before an arrest is made, New York prosecutors can assume control of an investigation and move toward presenting charges to a grand jury, making immediate legal representation essential.
Client’s Narrative and Sequence of Events
The client described meeting the complainant at a social gathering, exchanging contact information, and receiving a message from her later that evening inviting him to meet at her location.
They voluntarily decided to go to the client’s residence, where consensual sexual intercourse occurred.
The complainant left without displaying distress, and the client assumed the interaction had concluded amicably.
Only days later did he learn that the complainant had reported the encounter as sexual assault.
Defense counsel emphasized the mutual nature of the interaction and the absence of conduct suggesting force, threat, or coercion central issues under Penal Law Article 130.
2. Criminal Law Firm New York City – Nature of Allegations and Prosecution Risk
Under New York law, allegations of non consensual sexual conduct may fall under sections such as Rape in the Third Degree (§130.25) or Lack of Consent (§130.05).
Even without physical injury, prosecutors may pursue felony charges if they believe effective consent was absent.
Potential Criminal Liability Under New York Law
If prosecutors accepted the complainant’s narrative, the client faced exposure to felony charges carrying potential prison terms, mandatory registration, and severe collateral consequences.
The defense explained that consent analysis is highly fact dependent, and that contradictory evidence must be presented before the District Attorney determines whether to file charges.
3. Criminal Law Firm New York City | Defense Investigation and Evidentiary Submission
A criminal law firm in New York City must proactively gather evidence and present a comprehensive rebuttal memorandum before prosecutors finalize charging decisions.
This early stage advocacy is often decisive in avoiding indictment.
Review of Surveillance Footage and Entry Behavior
Security footage from the client’s apartment building showed the complainant voluntarily accompanying the client, calmly waiting behind him at the entry keypad, and exhibiting no distress or attempt to flee.
Under New York prosecutorial guidelines, such behavior is inconsistent with claims of fear, coercion, or inability to consent, sharply undermining the complainant’s allegations.
Behavioral Indicators Supporting Consent
The complainant requested the use of contraception before a subsequent consensual act behavior inconsistent with a person acting under coercion.
She also engaged in casual conversation after the encounter, including asking the client’s age, and left the residence without making any immediate report.
These indicators, when evaluated collectively, strongly contradicted the narrative of non consensual conduct.
4. Criminal Law Firm New York City | Case Resolution and Decline to Prosecute
After reviewing the defense’s detailed evidentiary submission, the District Attorney’s Office determined that the complainant’s account lacked evidentiary support and that the legal elements required for a Penal Law Article 130 charge could not be met.
Grounds for the Prosecutor’s Decision Not to File Charges
Prosecutors formally issued a Decline to Prosecute (DNP) determination, citing inconsistencies between the complainant’s statements, the objective video evidence, and her post incident behavior.
The defense’s organized presentation of facts, contextual analysis, and legal argumentation persuaded the District Attorney’s Office that the matter did not warrant criminal charges.
As a result, the client avoided arrest, indictment, and any public criminal records, preserving his academic standing and future opportunities.
11 Dec, 2025
