If you’ve been charged with sexual misconduct, you should take the accusation seriously. Before you do anything else regarding the charge, you should contact experienced sex crime lawyers. They can help understand your rights and what happens when you have been charged.
There are several sexual misconduct charges that are felonies. They include accusations of forcing someone into a sexual act without their consent. There are different types of sexual crimes, including sexual battery, criminal sexual conduct, and sex crimes against minors. The different offenses are all serious, and a lawyer can help you better understand what happens after you have been accused.
If you are accused of sexual misconduct of any type, you could go to trial and be found guilty. Being convicted of a sex crime can seriously change your life. You might have to spend time in prison, and you might have extended time on probation. You will have to register with your local sex-offender registry.
After receiving your legal punishments and consequences, you will have other problems throughout your life. You can expect that you will lose your job, and if you have any work-related licenses, you will lose those, too. You might lose custody of your children and you might end up being served with divorce papers. Finally, the victim might also sue you for financial damages, as well as filing the criminal case.
Because there are so many life-changing consequences, there are several things you should do to protect yourself along with hiring an experienced attorney.
1. Collect Evidence
Your attorney will tell you that you should find as much evidence as possible that connects to the event. This could include clothes, pictures, or video from the location. You are looking for evidence that you were not where your accuser says you were.
2. Save Documents
Another important thing to find is written proof that you had a consensual relationship. Look for text messages, emails, or written documents that show your relationship with your accuser. You should also look for GPS records from your phone, receipts from places you have been, and any computer records.
3. Find Witnesses
Along with items that show where you were and what you were doing, you should also look for witnesses. Hopefully, there was someone around you when you were with the accused. Otherwise, look for someone who can corroborate your alibi.
4. Stay silent
Being accused and arrested are different things. If you are arrested, the arresting officer will read your Miranda rights. They include the important right to remain silent. If you have been accused, the last thing you want to do is talk to anyone other than your lawyers.
Do not talk to your accuser or anyone who has contact with your accuser. You can trust that anything you say will go back to that person. You should also avoid talking to any police or investigators unless you are sitting next to your lawyer. Do not send emails or text messages. Do not ask someone to talk to your accuser for you.
