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| Sex crimes lawyer - Perna & Abracht, LLC |
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime, it’s
natural to want to clear your side. You might want to step up and cooperate to make
things easier rather staying silent as it might make you look guilty. But, when
it comes to sex allegations, speaking to police without the presence of your sex
crimes attorney is one of the major mistakes you can make., especially given
the gravity of sexual-offence charges.
Police interviews in sex-crime investigations are
not casual conversations. They are designed to gather statements that can be
used to build a case, often before you know the full scope of the allegations.
In Pennsylvania, even a short, unguarded remark can affect charging decisions,
plea leverage, and—if convicted—registration obligations.
Here are five key reasons why it’s wise to engage
a seasoned sex crimes lawyer before responding to police questions in sex‐crime cases: -
1. Anything You Say Can Be Misinterpreted
Police interviews are not friendly
chats. Every statement is recorded, summarized, or paraphrased, and small word
choices can shift meaning. A nervous guess about dates or encounters might
later appear as a contradiction. Once entered into an official report, that
version of your words follows the case. Having a sex crimes lawyer present ensures that your
answers are precise and legally sound—or that you remain silent until the facts
are reviewed.
2. Investigators May Already Have a Theory
When officers approach you, the
investigation is usually well underway. They might be seeking confirmation, not
clarification. Volunteering details without guidance can unintentionally
support the existing theory rather than correct it. The sex crimes
attorney
knows how to identify leading questions and redirect or end an interview that
crosses legal boundaries.
3. You Could Waive Important Rights Without Realizing It
Saying you’ll “just talk” or letting
officers “take a quick look at your phone” can feel harmless. It isn’t. You may
be giving permission to search your property or giving up rights you didn’t
even know you had. Once that door is open, it’s hard for your lawyer to roll it
back or challenge the evidence later. Having an attorney with you helps prevent
accidental waivers and keeps any cooperation limited, documented, and on your
terms.
4. Pennsylvania’s Sex Crime Penalties Are Severe
Convictions for sexual offenses in
Pennsylvania carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal code.
·
Rape and involuntary
deviate sexual intercourse are first-degree felonies punishable
by up to 20 years or
more in prison.
·
Aggravated indecent assault can lead to 10 years and mandatory
sexual offender
registration.
·
Even
lesser charges like indecent
assault or unlawful
contact with a minor can require lifetime registration
under SORNA (Sex
Offender Registration and Notification Act).
Given these stakes, saying a single word without counsel can jeopardize your
defense long before a trial begins. A sexual
abuse lawyer
can assess exposure, protect against self-incrimination, and begin mitigating
damage immediately.
5. Once You Speak, You Can’t Take It Back
Recorded
statements don’t disappear. You can’t edit or “clarify” them later, and even
honest answers can clash with later evidence and undercut your credibility.
Defense teams often spend months trying to fix the fallout from one
unrepresented interview. Staying silent until your lawyer is present isn’t
hiding anything—it protects your fairness and makes sure your side is presented
accurately.
Silence is not evasive; it is protective. The
smartest choice is simple: speak only through counsel until the facts, the
digital record, and the legal posture are understood. That measured approach
protects your rights and keeps the case from being defined by a hurried
conversation. If an officer calls or texts, do not engage—contact counsel
immediately for confidential guidance.
