Being accused of a sex offense is an issue to be approached with seriousness. No matter what may have occurred, if you are accused of a sex offense, you should immediately seek an attorney with expertise in the area. Often, lawyers understand the tedious ways in which the laws could work for or against your case. One reason sex offenses are an especially difficult area of law to tread through in court, is because of the lacking evidence.
In a case involving a sex offense, typically the one accused of committing the crime is on the tough end of things. Even if you believe you did not commit a serious crime, a victim may claim that you sexually harassed or raped them. Since the jury is the one listening in on your case, they may be more inclined to believe the victim, even without evidence. For you, this could mean you face a harsher sentencing from the judge.
If are being accused of a sex offense, you must remember to refrain from speaking with government officials until you speak with your lawyer. Many lawyers are on call 24/7 so that you may contact them immediately if this happens. Do not hesitate. It is in your best interest to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney familiar with defending those accused of sex offenses.
The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner witnesses can be interviewed and evidence can be assembled. This works to your advantage, if you are accused of a sex offense. In addition, the longer you wait, the longer a detective may assemble evidence that works against you. Social workers often intervene and have a negative impact in a sex offense case.
Often, they can help influence children to be biased as to what they want them to hear. Soon after a crime, a child may be manipulated by parents, police, and social workers. His or her mentality will be softened to say exactly what will please the people involved in the case. If you hire an attorney soon after you receive knowledge of charges or potential chargers, that attorney can assemble a team of people to better defend your case.
A legal firm can hire its own doctors and nurses to review the information compiled by detectives and those interviewing children in the case. Often, doctors and nurses can review information documented by the SART team, known as the Sexual Abuse Response Team. This is the team that may try to sway the gentle minds of children into saying false things about you. It is in your best interest to call your own attorney as soon as possible.
You don't want to wait too long, only to have the decks stacked against you by a SART team, parents, police, and other government officials. You need to take responsibility for protecting yourself. While an attorney may be costly, it is a highly worthwhile investment to protect your reputation, your life, your career, and even your family. Being put in jail for a crime you didn't commit is something no one wants to experience.