What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime

If you’ve never been accused of something as serious as a sex crime, it can be tempting to assume that those accused actually committed the crime in question. Sexual abuse happens as frequently as once every 98 seconds here in America, which is horrific.

However, it’s also worth noting that sex-related crimes (like generalized sexual abuse, to name just one) are also the crimes that are falsely reported the most often. And sadly, most people find this out the hard way – by being falsely accused of an awful crime they didn’t commit. Here’s what to do if it happens to you or someone you love.

Insist investigators follow proper protocol

Watch a lot of TV or movies, and it’s just a matter of time until you see a character accused of a crime. Smart characters insist that police and investigators follow the rules when gathering evidence, initiating questioning, or looking further into the accusations for a reason.

Investigators aren’t concerned with being fair to the accused. It’s their job to get the evidence they need to move the case forward in the direction they want, and they’ll go about that using whatever methods to get the job done. So the best thing you can do is know your rights.

Insist the investigators obtain proper Arizona search warrants before allowing them to look through your belongings, residence, or vehicle. You should also insist on speaking to a lawyer before answering questions to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Avoid contact with your accuser

Whether there’s any truth to the allegations, it’s essential to avoid doing anything that could worsen the situation. For example, if you have been falsely accused, trying to do damage control on your own can be tempting, but that’s a huge mistake.

Don’t interact with your accuser or their family, even if you genuinely think you could help them see sense if only you had a chance to talk to them and clear up any misunderstandings. Regardless of the situation or your history with the person, you can say or do nothing to make things better. But there are quite a lot of things that could make things worse.

Speak to the right Arizona attorney about your options

Anytime you’re accused of a crime in Arizona – including any type of sex crime – you should first talk to a lawyer. A lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case as it proceeds through the system. They can put your mind at ease and keep you from panicking.

They can also help you understand the details of what’s at stake. For example, your Arizona lawyer can explain things like sex offender levels in Arizona. What they all mean so you know what consequences convicted sex offenders in the state face. (In Arizona, there are three levels to know, each based on the likelihood that the person will re-offend in the future.)

Your lawyer can give you informed answers to any questions you may have about how to behave and what to do in any unexpected situation that might arise, as well. However, it would help if you chose the right attorney for the job. Start by hiring an Arizona attorney who specializes in sex offenses and has a solid track record for success.

It’s also important that your attorneys make you feel comfortable, at ease, and confident in their ability to win your case. The sooner you look into your options, the sooner you can restore your peace of mind and take the first steps toward an exoneration.