On Friday, May 25, 2012, a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge in Pomona ruled a mistrial against a step-father who was accused of Felony Rape Charges against his step-daughter. The defendant was represented by the Law Offices of Daniel V. Cota, a criminal defense law firm based out of Los Angeles County. The Defendant was accused of forcible rape and forcible oral copulation of his step-daughter, in violation of Penal Code Sections 261(a)(2) and 288a(c)(2)(a); both Felonies. The alleged victim in this case was the step-daughter of the defendant who shared the same home.
The 12 member jury deliberated for two days before being unable to reach a verdict, which led to the court ruling a mistrial. A conviction of just one count of 261(a)(2) would carry with it a maximum sentence of 8 years in state prison. Most importantly, a conviction would constitute a strike on his criminal record, and lifetime registration as a sex offender in the state of California.
The case is set to be re-tried by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in the next few months. Los Angles County Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel V. Cota has been in the business of helping people facing Rape and other very serious criminal charges in Los Angles County for over 7 years. If you or a loved one needs assistance with either of these charges, visit our website at www.danielcotalaw.com or call the Law Offices of Daniel V. Cota toll free at (800) 351-6860. We are ready to take your call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!
