DARREN SHARPER PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO DRUG, RAPE CHARGES

Former NFL safety Darren Sharper is embroiled in criminal allegations that he drugged and raped several women in four different states. He recently was arrested and charged in Los Angeles in connection with alleged crimes involving two women that he reportedly met in a West Hollywood nightclub.

Sharper was a member of the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade Team, and he was an analyst on the NFL Network. He was immediately suspended from his duties when he was first arrested for the crimes.

Prior to his arraignment, Sharper had been free on $200,000 bail. His bail was increased to $1 million (over prosecutors’ objections that it be raised to $10 million, but he posted the increased amount and was freed once again. Nevertheless, Sharper faces, two counts of rape by use of drugs (through zolpidem, a sleep medication, and morphine, an addictive pain drug), four counts of furnishing a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

While the Southern California crimes have garnered a great deal of interest, Sharper may also face similar charges in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Tempe and Miami. The case is a poignant example of how seriously sex crimes are taken when a professional athlete is involved. Besides the criminal standard that must be defended, there is a public perception of such crimes in Texas that must be defended as well. Because of this, an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential in making sure that the accused’s rights are protected, and that he or she is given a reasonable opportunity to defend themselves.

Source: Losangeles.cbslocal.com “Former NFL player Darren Sharper pleads not guilty to rape, drug charges,” Feb. 20, 2014