Rape Defense Attorney In Redwood City

Facing A Rape Allegation & Need Help Now

If you or someone you love has been accused of rape in Redwood City, you are facing one of the most serious situations in criminal law. An arrest or even a phone call from an investigator can threaten your freedom, your reputation, and your future. You do not have to face this alone.

At Law Offices of Dean Johnson, we defend people across San Francisco and Silicon Valley who are charged with serious felonies, including rape and other sex offenses. Our firm has represented clients in high-stakes criminal cases since 1998, and we understand how quickly a rape case can move in San Mateo County Superior Court. We take calls 24 hours a day so you can reach us as soon as an issue arises. Our firm is led by Attorney Dean Johnson, a former prosecutor who now focuses his work on defending the accused. His background gives us valuable insight into how the District Attorney builds and evaluates sex crime cases. When you contact us for a free, confidential consultation, we listen without judgment and start planning how to protect your rights.

Call (650) 832-9446 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.

Why Experience Matters In Rape Cases

Rape charges are complex, highly emotional, and often based on very specific facts about a relationship or encounter. Choosing a rape defense lawyer Redwood City clients can rely on is critical because these cases can involve forensic evidence, digital communications, and intense scrutiny from prosecutors and the public. You deserve a team that understands both the law and the realities of how these cases are prosecuted.

Our firm has defended people accused of serious felonies since 1998. We routinely handle cases such as homicide, domestic violence, fraud, and embezzlement, which means we are comfortable working under pressure and managing complicated fact patterns. That depth of experience helps us remain focused on the details that matter in your defense and not be distracted by outside noise.

Attorney Dean Johnson’s former role as a prosecutor gives us insight into how the other side thinks. We understand how charging decisions are made, which facts prosecutors tend to emphasize, and where weaknesses in a rape case often appear. We use this knowledge to evaluate the evidence against you, anticipate the prosecution’s strategy, and look for opportunities to challenge assumptions about what happened. We also know that no two cases are alike. Our goal is to provide personalized legal counsel, not a one-size-fits-all approach. We take time to understand your background, your relationship with the accuser, and the events leading up to the allegation. Throughout the process, we maintain open communication so you understand what is happening and why certain decisions are being made.

What To Do After A Rape Allegation

The hours and days after an allegation are often confusing and frightening. You may have been arrested, contacted by a detective, or served with a protective order. In this period, your choices can have a lasting effect on your case, which is why speaking with a rape attorney Redwood City residents can call at any time is so important.

You may feel pressure to tell your side of the story to the police, your employer, or the accuser. Doing so without legal guidance can put you at risk. Statements made in anger, fear, or confusion can later be used against you, even if you intended to help yourself. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.

Practical steps to protect yourself after a rape allegation include:

• Do not discuss the facts of the case with the police, the accuser, or anyone else until you have spoken with a lawyer.
• Preserve any potential evidence, such as text messages, social media communications, or travel records, and avoid deleting or altering anything.
• Follow any release conditions or protective orders, even if you feel they are unfair, and let us address them in court.
• Write down your recollection of events as soon as possible, including dates, times, locations, and possible witnesses.
• Contact our firm promptly so we can advise you before you make decisions that could affect your case.

When you call us, we focus first on your immediate safety and legal exposure. We talk through what has already happened, whether law enforcement has tried to speak with you, and what deadlines you may be facing. Because our team is available 24 hours a day for a free consultation, you can reach out before speaking to the police or appearing in court.

How We Build A Rape Defense

Once you have an attorney, the focus shifts from emergency decisions to building a strong and thorough defense. As a rape defense attorney Redwood City defendants turn to, our role is to investigate the facts, analyze the evidence, and look for every lawful way to challenge the prosecution’s case. We work to ensure that your rights are respected at each stage.

Rape cases arising in this part of the Peninsula are typically investigated by law enforcement agencies and then prosecuted in San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City. After an arrest, many clients face an arraignment, bail decisions, and future court dates. We help you understand what to expect at each hearing and discuss possible paths the case could take, including pretrial motions, negotiations, and trial.

Evidence is often at the center of rape prosecutions. Our firm reviews police reports, search warrants, medical records, and laboratory findings with great care. We work with experienced forensic analysts to evaluate DNA testing, sexual assault examinations, toxicology reports, and other scientific evidence. Our goal is to identify inconsistencies, alternative explanations, and potential system errors that may have influenced the results.

In many cases, digital communications and prior interactions between the people involved are critical. We examine text messages, emails, call logs, and social media activity to understand the broader context, including discussions about consent, plans to meet, and events after the encounter. When appropriate, we involve seasoned investigators to interview witnesses, locate additional information, and test the accuracy of statements given to police. We also pay close attention to procedure. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during questioning, searches, or identification procedures, we may raise those issues in court. Our firm is committed to uncovering system errors and improper practices that can affect the fairness of a rape case. While no defense strategy can guarantee a particular outcome, a careful investigation can reveal options that are not apparent from the initial police narrative.

Rape Charges In Redwood City Courts

If the alleged conduct took place in or near Redwood City, your case will typically be filed in San Mateo County Superior Court. For many clients, this may be their first time inside a courtroom, and the process can feel intimidating. Part of our role as a rape lawyer in Redwood City is to explain how the court system handles these cases.

Under California law, rape and related sex offenses can carry significant potential penalties. These may include substantial prison terms, possible sex offender registration, fines, and strict probation or parole conditions. The specific range of punishment depends on factors such as the exact charge, any prior criminal history, and details alleged by the prosecution. We explain these possibilities so you can make informed decisions without promises that cannot be guaranteed.

Rape cases in San Mateo County are generally handled by prosecutors who focus on serious felonies. Early representation can help us address issues such as bail, protective orders, and the way charges are framed. We communicate with the District Attorney’s Office when appropriate and evaluate whether the evidence supports the accusations as filed. These cases also affect daily life. Protective orders may limit where you can go or who you can contact, which can impact work, school, and family relationships. Court dates in Redwood City can require repeated appearances and schedule adjustments. Our firm helps you understand what each hearing involves and works to minimize unnecessary disruption whenever possible.

Because our practice has long served clients throughout San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Silicon Valley, we are familiar with how courts in this region operate. That familiarity helps us prepare you for what to expect from judges, typical scheduling practices, and procedural requirements specific to the San Mateo County Superior Court.

Why Choose Our Firm For Rape Defense

When you are deciding who should stand between you and a serious criminal conviction, you need more than general promises. You need clear reasons to trust that your attorney has the background, perspective, and commitment to handle a rape case. As a rape defense lawyer serving this area, I work to earn that trust from the first conversation.

Our firm has defended people accused of serious crimes since 1998, and we bring that experience to every rape case we accept. Attorney Dean Johnson’s years as a prosecutor give our team insight into how the state assembles and evaluates sex crime charges. We apply that understanding to our defense strategies, whether the case is at an early investigative stage or set for trial.

We put significant resources into the investigation. Our network includes experienced forensic analysts and seasoned investigators who understand how to examine scientific evidence and real-world facts. This is particularly important in rape cases, where DNA testing, medical examinations, and digital records can all play a role. We review this material with you and explain what it may mean for your defense.

Clients also choose us because of our communication style and public reputation. We maintain direct contact so you are not left wondering what is happening in your case. Attorney Johnson has appeared many times on national television to discuss complex legal issues, which reflects the trust others place in his analysis. We bring that level of careful thought to your situation, regardless of whether it receives any public attention.

Most importantly, we believe in our clients and approach every case with respect for the presumption of innocence. We understand the stigma that comes with a rape allegation and provide a confidential space where you can speak openly. You can contact us at any time for a free consultation about your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to the police before I have a lawyer?

You should speak with a lawyer before talking to the police about rape allegations. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you are trying to help yourself. We can advise you about whether to give a statement and can be present if questioning occurs.

What are the possible consequences of a rape conviction?

A rape conviction in California can bring significant prison time, sex offender registration, fines, and strict supervision. The exact consequences depend on the charge, facts, and any prior record. We explain the potential ranges in your specific case so you understand the risks before making decisions.

How will your firm investigate my side of the story?

We investigate by reviewing all available reports and evidence, then gathering information that supports your account. This can include working with forensic analysts on DNA or medical findings, examining digital communications, and using investigators to locate and interview witnesses. Our goal is to present a complete and accurate picture.

How quickly can you start helping with my case?

We can start advising you as soon as you contact us. Because we answer calls 24 hours a day, you can reach us after an arrest, during an investigation, or before a scheduled interview. In an initial free consultation, we talk through immediate concerns and outline possible next steps.

Will what I tell you about my case stay confidential?

Conversations with our firm about your case are confidential under the attorney-client relationship. We encourage you to be honest so we can give accurate advice and prepare an effective defense. We do not share your private information without your consent, except as required by law.

Call (650) 832-9446 to speak with our firm about your situation.