No one wants to be in a situation where they must seek out legal advice, as the instances in which law firms are sought out are rarely happy ones. Being charged with a sex crime can completely destroy your life and livelihood, making it urgently necessary to seek out defense against sex crime charges. But in such a highly stressful situation, taking the right steps may not be on the forefront of your mind.
As of July 2015, more than 70 million people in the United States have criminal records, ranging from serious crime to accusational charges. In order to combat a sex crime charge, you need to act quickly and efficiently. Don’t become another criminal charge statistic. Review these four steps and turn your life around.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Legal Representation
You won’t be able to fight a sex crime charge on your own. As soon as you’re able to, seek legal counsel to represent you. Lawyers are specially trained to be able to navigate laws in relation to crimes and charges, and these lawyers will be able to navigate you through the justice system much better than you will be if you try on your own. They’ll also be able to advise you on steps to take without jeopardizing your case.
Don’t Talk to Law Enforcement Right Away
Get a lawyer first. If you’re being charged with a sex crime, anything you say to police can be used in a case against you. You’re better off consulting with a lawyer before you say anything to law enforcement; otherwise, you could sabotage your own defense case by speaking candidly or casually.
Gather Evidence
If possible, gather evidence about the crime that helps to establish your innocence. If you have text messages or photographs on your phone, preserve them for further use if your case goes to trial. Take the time to document your interaction with your accuser at the time of the crime; write down everything you remember and try to be specific. It can help to map out events the day the incident occurred when you are further questioned about them.
Establish Your Alibi
If you didn’t interact with the accuser at the time the so-called crime occurred, establish your alibi. Gather statements from witnesses about where you were and who you were with. If you have timestamped documents that help to establish that alibi, notate them with screenshots. Witnesses will be of great help in clearing your name after you’ve been charged with a sex crime, so maintain a list of people that were with you or around you so your attorney has plenty of information to work with.
Being charged with a sex crime can be a scary ordeal to go through, but with a clear head and the right planning, you can overcome this trial. A great criminal defense lawyer at your side will help you proceed through the experience as smoothly as possible, helping you arrive at a conclusion that allows you to get your life back.
