being railroaded and confused
I have been accused of rape in the Bahamas. I was having 3rd base sex (consentually) with a Florida resident (I am also a Florida resident) while on vacation in the Bahamas. Her roommate came in and screamed RAPE! The cops were there very quickly and arrested me for rape. I was charged on 12/3/07 and I spent 18 days in jail as I was originally denied bail I was granted bail by the "Supreme Magistrate" and am back in Florida on bail. I was supposed to have a "preliminary inquiry on 1/30/08 but this was adjourned until 6/4/08. My lawyer in the Bahamas said they are dispensing with the preliminary inquiry and going to a "voluntary bill of indictment." I spent $5,000 originally for the lawyer and he wants another $2,500 to continue to represent me. I have not seen any documents, ie: the girl's statement or the roommates statement to date. Is this normal? Also, I think I remember that I heard I had to be indicted within six months of being charged with the crime....6/4/08 will be 6 months & 1 day. Am I being denied due process? The voluntary bill of indictement...I never "volunteered" for this. Is this legal?---Please advise.
Also, I was told by several cops, prison guards and inmates...If you get out on bail, just don't come back. There is nothing they can do...Is this true???Is there and extradition treaty for this type of crime (which I did not do!). Would the woman be allowed to pursue any criminal or civil suit in the state of Florida if I do not return to the Bahamas for the voluntary bill of indictment?
|