A 40 year old man who was in jail for sexual assault charges has been released from jail after DNA tests cast doubt as to whether he was the perpetrator of the sex crime, according to an LA Times report. The man in question was accused of sexually assaulting a Santa Monica College student on the school’s campus.
The man, who is a Topanga resident, was arrested April 7, and charged after the 18-year-old student identified him as the man who attacked her near the restrooms in the college’s library building. The woman said the man had attacked her, robbed her, licked her stomach and then sexually assaulted her.
The man was released when lab tests showed that DNA found on the woman’s stomach and breasts did not belong to him, but to another man. The man, who had no criminal record, was released after being held for more than 5 months. The prosecutor’s office is reported to be performing more tests to identify whose DNA was found on the woman’s body and whether they should pursue a case against the man who was initially accused.
These types of cases are more common than one might imagine. Although it is important to see that a potentially innocent man has been released from prison, it is regrettable that he did not contract the services of an experienced California sex crimes attorney when he was initially accused of the crime. An experienced attorney will investigate all avenues fully, often demanding evidence that DNA tests were performed accurately and according to legal procedure.
Sadly, innocent individuals are arrested every day in our society. Sexual assault cases can be especially complicated, which is why it’s so important to hire counsel to mount a competent defense on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been accused of rape or sexual assault in California, contact Wallin & Klarich today for a consultation of your case. We have been defending the rights of those facing California criminal charges for over 30 years and are prepared to assist you. Call Wallin & Klarich today at 888-749-0034 or visit www.wklaw.com for more information.
Source:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dna-release25-2009sep25,0,7220499.story
