Three Years, No DNA, Not Guilty: Jury Clears High School Student in CSC Trial

This case involved a 17-year-old client accused of CSC 3rd Degree under a physically helpless theory. The incident stemmed from a high school party in July 2020. The complainant alleged memory loss and claimed she must have been given something, but toxicology showed no alcohol or drugs other than her prescribed medications.

A SANE exam conducted hours later showed no injuries indicative of assault. DNA testing, performed using multiple methods, confirmed that our client was excluded from all samples tested.

The investigation raised concerns. Key witnesses—those who interacted with the complainant that night—were never interviewed. The lead detective cited other case priorities and acknowledged transcription errors in her reports.

Although our client’s DNA was excluded, and no physical evidence linked him to the allegations, prosecutors pursued trial based on circumstantial evidence, including partial Snapchat messages and a single recorded phone call.

At trial, testimony revealed inconsistencies in the complainant’s account and pointed to another individual whose DNA was found. We highlighted the gaps in the state’s investigation and the scientific certainty of our client’s exclusion.

The trial lasted one week. After several hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty.