New York Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida International University baseball star had his trial and two of his friends put on the fast track by a Bahamian prosecutor, Manhattan Criminal Lawyers have learned. The case is now on its way to the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
The next hearing will be on May 9 before a Senior Justice in Nassau. Court sources told Manhattan Criminal Lawyers that the trial will not begin then, however.
An attorney working with the Attorney General’s Office sent a bill of voluntary indictment to a magistrate, court sources reflected. This document allows the court to avoid a preliminary inquiry, instead forwarding the case directly to the Supreme Court. The document also contains sworn statements from the witnesses, which will also be seen by the defense.
This will make the case move more quickly, a court observer told Lawyers. “It’s done in the most serious cases,” the source continued. A rape conviction in the Bahamas can earn a life sentence, dependent upon the injury of the victim. “You can get it, but you don’t often get it,” the source said, referring to the life sentence.
This case involves two American tourists, both 17 years of age, who allege they were raped in December, while staying at a resort. Two of the men in the case are charged with one case of rape, each, while a third man is charged with raping both of the girls. They are all currently out on bond. Their attorney states everything was consensual. The legal age of consent in the Bahamas is 16. A Queens Sex Crimes Lawyer would make a similar argument as would any attorney in Manhattan.
The attorney for the young men had no comment, and the father of one of the accused said he would only discuss the case once it was over. He did say, however, “Anyone can accuse anyone of anything at any time. He’s not doing well, obviously. He’s blown away. He’s devastated that someone would accuse him of this.”
The girls who made the accusations have not been identified to the press, nor have any of them made any comment.
There are two sides to every story, and a great deal depends upon who you have telling your side. A Manhattan Criminal Lawyer has what it takes to represent you no matter what the charges. Make sure your voice is heard by contacting a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer immediately. The Office of Stephen Bilkis and Associates can offer you support and guidance as well as a free consultation when you contact us at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW. We have offices in New York City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx and in Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.