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How to Face a Sex Crimes Investigation

Written by: Thomas C Gallagher

Reputation Level 15

Criminal Defense Sex Crime

Posted almost 3 years ago. Applies to Minnesota, 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

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Avoid Talking to Police.

Yes, on television the writers tend to have the person targeted by police open up in a desperate attempt to clear their name. Often the "Miranda Warning" is the cue to start talking on television shows! That may help the story line of the show move along and create more drama, but defense lawyers agree - it would be a big mistake to talk to police, especially if you are innocent. What's that? "Especially if you are innocent?" Yes. Innocent people who talk to police have the most to lose, since often other evidence will be weak, but a "confession" or statement that could be twisted, distorted or lied about by police could provide enough evidence to result in a sex crime charge.

Avoid talking about the allegation to anyone.

Have you heard of a "jail house snitch?" That's someone who was in a jail - either another accused person or an undercover cop - who will later claim that you admitted some fact helpful to your prosecution. It does not have to be a cop. It could be a neighbor, friend, co-worker - anyone. You denied it, but they "heard" you admit it. If that happens, what are you going to be able to do about it? Can you prevent it? Sure you can - by remaining silent in the first place.

Do not talk about the allegations on the phone.

Though normally phone conversations are not recorded, sometimes they are. If you are in jail temporarily, waiting to bail out or waiting for trial, know that phone calls to or from jail are always or almost always recorded (the same goes for personal "no contact" visits), and often used in evidence at trial!

Think long term.

The consequences of a sex crimes allegation, criminal charge, prosecution, or conviction are severe, to say the least. These are long term consequences - life long and life-changing. Therefore, do not allow police or anyone to persuade you to make a statement or consent to a search based upon a short term threat. Such short term threats commonly include: arresting you, putting you in jail, taking your kids away, etc. "This too shall pass." Don't trade short term comfort for severe, life long consequences.

Retain the best lawyer you can find, as soon as possible.

You know that when the police and government prosecutors target you, there is a serious imbalance of power, and their agenda is to destroy you, right? What can help even things up for you? The one most powerful thing you can do to help yourself is to find and retain the best sex crimes defense lawyer you can find, quickly. There are more things that can be done to help, that I cannot go into here, in this format. These are best discussed privately in a lawyer's office. One of the first and most important things a lawyer can help you with, is to help you resist and stop police attempts to question you.