On Wednesday, December 30, 2015, Bill Cosby was charged for the first time with crimes regarding sexual violence in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The district set Cosby’s bail at $1 million and forced him to give them his passport in an effort to keep him from fleeing the country.  Bill Cosby has denied all allegations against him and his defense team has been preparing for the preliminary hearing.  

Cosby’s charges are extensive and are based around the charge of aggravated assault.  This charge includes acts of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault. indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault.  Each of these crimes is similar but are still different from one another.  Some sexual violence cases involve rape kits and other scientific evidence, but Cosby’s is not one of these cases.  The prosecution’s case depends almost completely on testimonial evidence from the 40 women that have spoken out against him.  This makes things a lot easier for the prosecution because the testimony of a sex offense victim may be sufficient to put Cosby behind bars.  In Cosby’s case, the prosecution is not only relying on the testimony of the victims, but actually the testimony of many of the victims’ family members.  The prosecution is also relying on whatever recent statements Cosby has made or will make while he is on the stand, if he chooses to testify.  

Even if the defense manages to successfully keep out the majority of other accusers’ evidence, if Pennsylvania prosecutors successfully introduce only a fraction of these acts that Cosby allegedly committed, the effect could be devastating for Cosby, the defendant.  These acts could also prejudice the jury against Cosby in the courtroom.  That is why this evidence should be admitted only if it is legally appropriate.  

If Cosby is convicted for aggravated indecent assault, he is looking at minimal jail time, which is most likely going to be around 22-36 months of incarceration.  Cosby can serve up to a maximum of 10 years, if convicted, but will most likely not actually serve this extensive sentence.  

Sources and more information:    http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/01/opinions/cevallos-bill-cosby-case/index.html