To be accused of a crime in Louisiana can be a life-altering event. An accusation may bring embarrassment and shame to a person’s life, not to mention potentially interfere with the accused’s job and family life due to the possible upheaval associated with being accused of, and even arrested for, an alleged crime. A Covington, Louisiana man may be experiencing such an upheaval after he was recently accused of and arrested for the charge of rape, a serious felony in the state.
The alleged crime happened approximately two months ago in the victim’s car while the car was parked in Tigerland. According to the Baton Rouge police, the alleged victim was celebrating her birthday when she got separated from her friends and sisters. After meeting the accused after midnight, the two supposedly proceeded to dance at a bar named Reggie’s, according to witnesses. There is also photographic evidence that the two were together at the bar.
Pursuant to the accuser’s report, due to her high level of intoxication, she does not remember much of the event. Nevertheless, she alleges that the man climbed into the back seat of her car later in the evening, and raped her, despite her indications to stop and her physically pushing him away.
The man has now been accused of second degree rape. This is a serious charge in Louisiana and not one to be taken lightly. If convicted, this crime has a potential prison sentence of up to 40 years. A defendant facing serious criminal charges may benefit from seeking prompt legal advice. This could assist an individual with devising an aggressive criminal defense to helping them reduce and even dismiss the charges against them.
Source: The Advocate, “Covington man accused of raping woman in Tigerland on Oct. 10, Baton Rouge police report,” Dec. 4, 2015