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Rape Aquittal
In his term as a Lee County Assistant Public Defender, Michael Raheb successfully defended a young man in a high profile case involving charges of sexual battery with a deadly weapon or great force and first-degree burglary with assault or battery.
Acquittal on All Charges
Christopher Hiatt, 22, was accused by Tonda Soisson of breaking into her home late one night in 2002 and raping her. Through the efforts of Michael Raheb and his colleague Christopher Brown, Hiatt was acquitted of all charges in a three-day jury trial, after the jury deliberated just 1-1/2 hours.
Mr. Raheb's client was facing a maximum penalty of life in prison. The acquittal came as a great relief to Christopher Hiatt and his family.
Extensive Defense at Trial
Evidence from law enforcement officers, crime scene technicians and a 911 call transcript was presented and examined in the trial. Both the accuser and the accused took the stand. Hiatt, through his defense attorneys, contended that he and Sossion had had a three-week-long consensual sexual relationship before the night of the alleged rape, and that on the night in question, they'd had consensual sex again.
Hiatt testified that after he told Ms. Soisson he was ending their relationship that night and returning to an ex-girlfriend, she became enraged, and she set the rape accusation in motion. The jury found his testimony credible and acquitted him.
Another Attempt by the State
Although Christopher Hiatt was acquitted of all charges (after having been in jail for nearly three months after his arrest), the State Attorney's office tried to "re-try" him by charging him with violating his probation for a prior offense. The violation was based on his being charged with the crimes for which he'd been acquitted.
There is a prohibition in U.S. law against trying a defendant over again for the same criminal charges after he or she has been acquitted. However, the State Attorney skirted this issue by getting a conviction for Christopher Hiatt on the probation violation, despite Michael Raheb's continued and committed defense. Criminal defendants facing the same conundrum are now described by some defense attorneys as "being Hiatted."
Committed and Experienced Defense
Mr. Raheb goes the extra mile for each of his clients. He strongly believes in the protection of the rights of the accused — it's an integral part of the American justice system. If you've been accused of a crime, it is your express right to have a qualified and knowledgeable defense attorney such as Mr. Raheb at your side.
Contact the law office of Michael M. Raheb today for superior representation.
Our Law Offices are Located at:
1421 SE 47th Terrace
Cape Coral, FL 33907
