Bentonville Rape Defense Attorney

When you are accused of rape, it can feel like the system is already working against you. Investigators act quickly, prosecutors move decisively, and suddenly every part of your life is under scrutiny. Even before charges are filed, the process can feel deeply isolating.

At Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, we work to bring balance back to that process. Our role is to protect your rights, keep you informed, and make sure your case is handled with fairness and care. You will work directly with your attorney from the start, receive honest guidance about what lies ahead, and have a defense grounded in preparation and clarity.

Speak directly with Attorney Dowden to understand your rights and possible defense options. Your first consultation is free.

Understanding the Law: What the State Must Prove

Under Arkansas Code § 5-14-103, a person commits rape when they engage in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual activity with another person under certain conditions. These include acts involving forcible compulsion, sexual activity with someone who is incapable of consent because of age or incapacity, or with a child under fourteen years old. The law also covers cases involving close family relationships, where consent cannot legally apply.

Rape is classified as a Class Y felony, the most serious level of felony in Arkansas short of capital crimes. A conviction can result in a sentence ranging from ten to forty years, or life imprisonment. If the alleged victim is younger than fourteen, the minimum sentence increases to twenty-five years.

Because of the high stakes, the way your defense is built matters as much as the facts themselves. Every element of the charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, and that is where careful preparation can make a difference.

The Value of Local Knowledge & Courtroom Experience

Benton County’s criminal courts handle sex crime cases with unique scheduling patterns and procedural expectations. Having a defense attorney who works regularly in these courts helps ensure nothing is missed.

Attorney Dowden has practiced in Arkansas courts for over 15 years, including time as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. That experience gives him insight into how rape investigations are formed, what evidence prosecutors consider decisive, and how to address inconsistencies in witness statements or forensic reports.

Our familiarity with local judges, prosecutors, and court staff allows us to prepare strategically, knowing what documentation, arguments, and demeanor each setting requires.

Professional Recognition & Proven Dedication

Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law practices exclusively in criminal defense. Attorney Cody W. Dowden has represented thousands of defendants across Arkansas and tried hundreds of cases before juries. He has been selected to Super Lawyers 2024–2025, maintains an Avvo 10.0 Top Attorney rating, and is a member of the Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Arkansas Bar Association.

He has also appeared in local media to provide legal insight on criminal law and justice issues. You can see those appearances on our Media Page.

Protecting Clients Through Every Phase of the Process

A rape case moves through multiple stages, from investigation to trial, and each stage carries risks that can affect the outcome. Our firm guides clients through every phase so that no appearance, filing, or negotiation happens without preparation.

We assist with:

• Understanding the legal process and upcoming deadlines.
• Coordinating with bondsmen and ensuring compliance with release conditions.
• Managing communication with law enforcement and prosecutors.
• Preparing for interviews, hearings, and courtroom procedures.

We make sure you understand your options at each step and have a realistic sense of how the process unfolds in Bentonville and across Benton County.

Expect Direct Access & Honest Communication with Us

Our clients do not have to go through layers of staff to reach their lawyer. When you call or email, you speak directly with Attorney Dowden or receive a personal reply shortly afterward. We return calls promptly, keep clients updated, and ensure that every question receives a clear answer.

We know trust is earned through responsiveness. Facing a rape charge means living with uncertainty and pressure, and the smallest delay can increase anxiety. Our office’s approach to communication is built to prevent that. You will always know what is happening, what filings have been made, and what comes next.

To further understand what working with us is like, you can visit our Testimonials Page.

Accessible Defense: Free Consultations & Flexible Payment Options

Strong legal defense should not depend on wealth or circumstance. To make powerful representation affordable and straightforward, we provide:

• Free initial consultations where you receive clear guidance on next steps
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Flexible payment plans to help manage costs over time
• Virtual and phone meetings for convenience and discretion

Our goal is to remove barriers so you can focus on your defense rather than financial stress. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to take advantage of a free consultation and learn what options are available.

How Our Legal Team Investigates, Analyzes, & Responds

Defending against a rape charge requires more than contesting facts. It demands a full understanding of how the case was assembled and whether investigators followed lawful procedures.

We begin by reviewing:

• Evidence collection and chain of custody. Every item of physical evidence must be traceable and properly handled.
• Forensic testing. DNA, medical findings, and lab reports are re-examined for accuracy and adherence to protocol.
• Witness statements. We look for inconsistencies, leading questions, or external influence that may affect credibility.
• Digital and physical timelines. Phone records, texts, and surveillance often reveal gaps or contradictions in the prosecution’s version of events.

Attorney Cody W. Dowden’s background as a former prosecutor allows us to anticipate how the state will approach each issue. That perspective helps us identify weak points early and prepare a defense that addresses both the evidence and the underlying assumptions behind it.

Common Defenses & How We Use Them Strategically

No two rape cases are the same. Each one turns on small but crucial details: what was said, how evidence was collected, and whether the law was applied correctly. At Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, we analyze these details carefully to build a defense that fits your situation.

Some of the most common defenses in rape cases include:

• Consent & Context. When the case involves adults, consent often becomes the central issue. We examine text messages, timelines, and witness accounts to determine whether interactions were voluntary and whether the evidence truly supports the claim of forcible compulsion.
• Mistaken Identity. In cases where DNA or eyewitness testimony is disputed, we challenge the reliability of identification and investigate how evidence was gathered and tested.
• Procedural Errors. A case can be compromised if police obtained statements or searches without proper legal authority. We review every step of the investigation for errors that could affect admissibility.
• False or Exaggerated Accusations. Sometimes allegations arise from personal disputes, custody issues, or misunderstandings. We approach these cases with sensitivity but also with a firm focus on inconsistencies and motives that may undermine credibility.
• Age-based Affirmative Defenses. Arkansas law allows for certain age-gap defenses when both parties are close in age. We ensure these statutory protections are evaluated fully before the prosecution defines its narrative.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future

If you are facing a rape charge under Arkansas Code § 5-14-103, contact Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law today. We will review your situation, explain your rights, and begin preparing a defense that reflects both the facts and the law.

Your first consultation is free. Meetings can take place in person, by phone, or virtually.