Say Nothing
If a detective contacts you seeking an interview: say nothing, exercise your right to remain silent. Often law enforcement investigators will make it seem as if they actually want to simply clear your name. So they ask for your cooperation. Often, they are friendly at this stage and respectfully request an interview. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Their goal is to document any incriminating statements you make. If you make such statements, even if they are innocent statements that are misinterpreted, they may be used as "defendant admissions." Consider it a confession.
Hire an Attorney/Firm that Handles Such Cases Regularly
Sex Crimes Cases, and Dangerous Crimes Against Children Cases (DCAC), are very specialized areas. Immediately seek out a lawyer or firm choosing to handle such cases regularly, like Laboy Law Office. They should be a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the office should make it a point to continually educate themselves on the latest scholarly writings in the field. Ask about the lawyer's experience with sex crimes cases. Ask about their media background, since so many of these types of cases are covered in TV and Print news. Ask about their willingness to go to trial. Also, inquire about their Grand Jury practice and ask if they have relationships with experts in psychiatry, psychology, sexual addiction, risk assessments, polygraph testing, etc.
Beware of the Confrontation Call
This is a common police tactic in serious sex crimes cases and can take on many forms. However, one example may be as follows: The alleged victim in your case calls or sends you a text message. They indicate that while they are very hurt by what you (supposedly) did to them, they do not want to press charges. They may simply ask for you to apologize. "That's all I want," they may say. "Apologize and then I can move on and we won't involve the police." BEWARE: do not engage in such a dialogue. There is a very real possibility that the victim is working with investigators to get a confession!
Consider Pre-file Representation
In sex crimes cases, the time to hire an attorney is BEFORE you are charged. As soon as you believe or have reason to suspect you are under investigation, contact a firm like Laboy Law Office. There is much that can be done before you are even charged to protect your rights. Your attorney can attempt to prevent the filing of charges, request your presence at a Grand Jury proceeding, get their own private investigator involved to interview witnesses in your favor, and even organize risk assessments and polygraph testing.
