Sentencing

[imsam]

I was reading the other day about the motor cyclist who ran a woman down and killed her, while shouting at her to get out of his way. He got 8 years.

How can it be fair that 'If' I get a guilty verdict, I will get a MINIMUM sentence of 5 years...this for not hurting anyone ( not even a bruise) with her word against mine that she agreed to the sex or not?

Is there ever any 'leniency ' shown in the sentencing about the category of the rape. ( presumably the sentence would be the same if I had attacked her in the street knocked her about and then raped her , perhaps even twice)

It would also mean for me, a rough time in prison ( I have heard that rapists get a hard time inside) and my name on the sex offenders list for life.

Can this EVER be justified?

Let alone this year I am spending awaiting a call or letter to decide my fate

[Peter1975]

I know it's hard but try not to think too far ahead. Only 11% of accusations end up in a conviction and the vast majority of those really are guilty. Miscarriages are not nearly rare enough but they are rare nonetheless and with a good defence team you can go into a courtroom with your head held high and some confidence that the jury will get the verdict right.

Should the worst happen,the minimum sentence for rape is 4 years which would mean 2 years inside and 2 years on license and you would spend it in very good company with many others maintaining their innocence on a VP (vulnerable prisoner) wing. Attacks by other prisoners are far more of a rarity than you may have read and are particularly rare on a VP wing. The vast majority will tell you that the main problem inside is boredom.

But nevermind that, there is every hope you won't be charged or have to defend yourself in court, the difficult bit for you is to maintain your sanity while you wait for a decision.

Hang in there and look after yourself.

[imsam]

Thank you Peter, you always reply to me and I cannot thanks you enough for that. It's hard to express how much your replies mean to me. I never talk to anyone about this, and coming on here and 'talking' to this board helps .

Thanks again
Sam

[Rights Fighter]

imsam, concentrate on finding evidence to prove the lies. If you haven't already, start a journal from the first time you met the accuser and everything that happened as you can remember. It's surprising just how much you might remember and who might be able to help, as your write.....