When accused of a crime in Missouri, a person may choose to enter a guilty plea to the court for any number of reasons. Typically, such a decision is made alongside the guidance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can clarify the potential legal ramifications of such an action and offer advice as to any other options that may be available to a defendant. Many times, an attorney and defendant decide that pleading guilty to sexual assault or another similar offense is within a client’s best interests.
A 47-year-old man recently entered just such a plea in connection with alleged sexual assaults that supposedly occurred over a period of time. The man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate civil rights. He was reportedly acting with a law enforcement officer whom authorities claim would threaten, intimidate and injure women so that they would engage in sexual contact with him and/or the other man.
The officer was arrested and charged at both state and federal levels. One of the charges included allegations of enticing a minor to participate in acts of prostitution. The man who pleaded guilty to conspiracy is apparently also charged with statutory rape and sexual assault in connection with the incidents.
It remains to be seen what the ultimate consequences of the recently entered plea will be in court. Any person in Missouri preparing to face a judge or jury regarding sexual assault charges is advised to discuss the situation with an experienced attorney. Such allegations have serious immediate and long-term impact on a person’s life, but chances for a positive outcome are typically increased by retaining the assistance of an attorney who has successfully defended others against similar charges in court.
Source: sfgate.com, “Man pleads guilty to conspiring with deputy in sex assaults”, March 24, 2016