Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Case Headed to Trial in Pennsylvania Court

Famous entertainer, actor and comedian Bill Cosby recently made an appearance in a Pennsylvania courtroom for a preliminary hearing in his sexual assault case.

Cosby allegedly committed the sex crime in 2004. Criminal charges for aggravated indecent assault were finally filed against Cosby in December 2015, shortly after potentially incriminating statements that Cosby made during an earlier civil deposition were leaked. While being deposed, Cosby reportedly said that he often procured pills that he would give to women he wanted to have sex with.

In 2004, Andrea Constand worked at Temple University, Cosby’s alma mater. Constand claims that she met Cosby through the university and that he later sexually assaulted her at his Philadelphia home. According to Constand, Cosby plied her with Quaaludes and wine and then raped her after she passed out.

Cosby has reportedly admitted to having sex with Constand but says that their sexual interactions were consensual.

Now it appears that the criminal case against Cosby is headed to trial after a Pennsylvania District Court judge heard Constand’s statements to police in the immediate aftermath of the alleged sexual assault and decided that enough evidence exists for a trial to be held.

Cosby had filed a motion to delay the start of the trial while he sought to appeal earlier rulings in evidentiary and other preliminary hearings.

After the judge announced her decision to let the case go forward without further delay, Cosby’s defense attorney voiced strong criticism, calling the prosecution’s evidence “weak, inconsistent and incredible” and “riddled with numerous corrections and inconsistencies.” Cosby’s lawyer also noted that prosecutors had failed to allow Constand to testify in the courtroom during the pre-trial hearings because that would have given Cosby a chance to confront his accuser.

Cosby, who is now 78 years old, could face as many as 10 years in prison if he is ultimately convicted on the most serious criminal charges of aggravated indecent assault.

If you’ve been arrested and charged with sexual assault, rape, criminal sexual contact or any other sex crime in New Jersey, you need to speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney immediately. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty today to schedule a free consultation about your case.