Allegations of sexual assault can be devastating to the accused and their loved ones. Being charged with a sex crime can jeopardize your reputation and have a negative impact on all aspects of your life. If you or someone you love has been accused of an assault, you may feel shell-shocked and unsure of what to do next. A sex crimes lawyer can protect your rights and help you understand the charges you may be facing.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Even if you haven’t yet been arrested or charged with a crime, if someone accuses you of sexual assault it’s critical to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. A sex crime conviction can have grave repercussions such as prison time and sex offender registration requirements. It can also affect your ability to find employment and housing, and take a serious emotional toll on you and your loved ones. Having an experienced defense lawyer in your corner can help to ensure you get the best defense possible.
Only Discuss Your Case with Your Attorney
It’s normal to want to tell your side of the story if you feel you’ve been wrongly accused. However, seemingly innocent statements can be turned against you by law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Do not answer any questions or give a statement to police or prosecutors without your attorney present. It’s also important to refrain from talking about the allegations with friends, family, or anyone else. If they are called as witnesses, anything you said to them may be used to make you appear guilty.
Do Not Contact the Alleged Victim
It can also be tempting to want to clear the air with your accuser. This is something you should never do, especially if there is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in place. Do not ask someone else to speak to them on your behalf or contact any of their friends or family. If your accuser is an intimate partner or family member, it’s a good idea to seek the counsel of a domestic violence lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases.
Preserve Evidence
Make sure to keep all text messages, voicemails, social media posts, physical evidence, and anything else you think may be relevant to your case. Make a list of potential witnesses and write down everything you can remember about what happened. All of this evidence can help your attorney build a solid defense.
Listen to Your Attorney
Your lawyer’s top priority is to protect your rights and interests. You may have to reveal very personal details about your life and the circumstances of the alleged assault, which can be challenging. It’s important to keep in mind that your attorney is on your side – there are valid reasons why they may ask you to answer certain questions or do certain things.
If you’ve been accused of a crime, contact our criminal defense attorneys to protect your rights today.
This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/what-to-do-if-you-have-been-accused-of-sexual-assault/
