Rape

A twenty-two year old Case Western Reserve University student was indicted on one count of Rape and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition after a fellow student lodged a complaint at the University Hospital of Ohio. The accuser alleged that the young man committed the sexual acts while she was unable to consent due to her high level of alcohol intoxication. Moreover, she alleged that the defendant administered Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (more commonly known as GHB or Date Rape Drug), to her. Prior to trial, the client was in the military Officer Training Program with the aspiration to be a Marine pilot. After a thorough investigation by the defense, Attorney Ian Friedman presented the case to a jury. As a result of cross-examination by the defense, the credibility of the allegations were severely called into question. The jury was presented with scientific and medical evidence including DNA evidence that conflicted with the allegation lodged by the accuser. After four days of trial and just moments before closing arguments were to begin, the trial court granted the defense motion for an acquittal. The court dismissed all counts of the indictment citing the lack of credibility in the claim in light of the conflicting testimonial and forensic evidence. After two years, the client exited the courtroom free of any charges.