People who have been targeted by a sex crimes investigation or labeled as a sex crimes suspect are more often than not completely overwhelmed and unprepared for what happens next. If you are in such a situation, it is important to stay out of that group by educating yourself on your rights and what to expect. Knowledge is power, now more than ever.
What to Expect & How to React
After someone accuses of you of committing a sex crime, your first opportunity to know about it will probably be when police investigators knock on your door. Before directly accusing you or charging you, police will want to interview you, the alleged victim, and any potential eyewitnesses. Do not be fooled by the apparent lack of formality regarding this initial interview. Investigators are not there to have a talk, they are there to make an arrest.
Be extremely careful with what you say, as almost anything can be misconstrued and shaped into evidence against you. If you feel like it is an interrogation, you might want to invoke your Fifth Amendment right to stay silent until you have a chance to talk to an attorney. Remember to not impede investigators in any way that could be deemed as interfering with official police business.
Protect Your Parentage Rights
Depending on the age of the alleged victim, or if you have any children of your own, Child Protective Services (CPS) might get involved with the investigation as well. It can be difficult to challenge the CPS as it is not a criminal investigation organization, but rather a branch of the government that can exert administrative rights. Specifically, they may want to remove your child from your home while the investigation is pending.
Never do anything to physically hinder the CPS in its duties. Instead, get ready right away by gathering evidence that suggests you are a good parent or guardian. Consider photographs or videos of happy family gatherings and as many testimonies from friends, family members, coworkers, neighbors, and so on as you can muster that speak highly of you. A surprisingly large number of sex crime and domestic violence accusations originate from a desire to get “revenge” or gain child custody control.
Gain the Advantage with an Attorney
As previously mentioned, knowledge is power when you are targeted by a sex crimes investigation. You cannot possibly protect and uphold your rights as an accused individual if you don’t understand them. To make things simpler for you, and to empower your claims, you should get a trusted Norman criminal defense attorney on your side as soon as possible.
The Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C. has a long history of successful criminal defense case results, as well as hundreds of criminal record expungements under our belts. See what 50+ years of combined legal experience can do for your case by contacting us at your first chance. We are available 24/7 for your convenience.