Brandon, FL Lawyers Protect Your Freedom and Reputation When You Face Sex Crime Charges
Experienced attorneys manage sensitive cases with the utmost professionalism
Being charged with a sex crime can be devastating to your reputation, your personal relationships, your education, and your career. A conviction for a sexual offense carries severe penalties and the obligation to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. Before you consign yourself to a lifetime of punishment, get reliable legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Faught & Faught, P.A., we take decisive steps to protect your rights and your reputation throughout the legal process. We thoroughly investigate the charges against you, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. In our current social climate, where a mere accusation of sexual misconduct can ruin an accused person’s life, it’s more important than ever to have dedicated legal counsel with a proven record of success in cases like yours.
Experience defending clients in a wide array of sexual offense prosecutions
When you need a strong defense, you can rely on Faught and Faught for our skill, knowledge and determination. We are prepared to manage the defense to charges of a variety of serious sexual offenses, including:
- Child molestation
- Child pornography
- Indecent exposure
- Internet sex crimes
- Lewd and lascivious conduct
- Sexual battery/rape
- Solicitation/prostitution/procuring
If you or someone you care about is being investigated, has been arrested, or has been charged with committing a sexual offense, retain our law firm immediately, so we can start protecting your rights.
What is the process in a prosecution for a sexual offense?
A prosecution for a sexual offense usually occurs after someone has made an allegation to law enforcement. Once a sexual offense is reported, law enforcement investigates to determine whether there is probable cause to make an arrest. This investigation may include examining physical evidence, speaking to the victim and other witnesses, and attempting to speak with the suspect. Depending on the circumstances of the case, a prosecutor may be required to go before a grand jury to get an indictment or simply allowed to present information to the court affirming there is probable cause to believe the alleged sexual offense was committed. After the information is presented or the indictment is obtained, the suspect is arrested. However, in certain cases, an arrest can take place even before information or indictment.
What to do if law enforcement wants to question you about a sexual offense
If investigators wish to speak with you about an alleged sex crime, either before or after an arrest, invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not speak to authorities without first speaking to an experienced criminal attorney. If you do not invoke your right to remain silent and/or your right to counsel, law enforcement can use manipulative tactics to get you to incriminate yourself. Do not trust authorities when they say things will go better for you if you cooperate; get reliable legal advice before offering any information.
How do I prove my innocence when the allegations are completely false?
The emotional toll of being charged based on false allegations can be devastating. Although prosecutors should work diligently to weed out false allegations, they often make mistakes in judgment. Public perception and other factors often add fuel to a prosecutor’s aggressive nature. A “full steam ahead” attitude can lead to the aggressive prosecution of sexual offenses without proper investigation of the underlying claims. The good news is that an experienced and determined criminal defense attorney can often uncover the truth by meeting with the client, examining reports and witness/victim statements, taking depositions, and putting together the pieces of the puzzle that law enforcement or the State Attorney’s Office has missed.
How will my case end?
When the proper investigation is completed and the pieces of the puzzle have been examined and assembled, there can be three results:
- A dismissal of the charges upon presentation and negotiation with the State Attorney
- A reduction of charges and/or a plea bargain that satisfies the client, the alleged victim and the State Attorney’s Office
- A trial during which the defense attorney presents the case to a jury, and the jury then decides whether the person is guilty or not guilty of the crime/s charged
Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, it could be months or even years before the case is resolved. Faced with this ordeal, it’s easy to lose heart and make decisions that are contrary to your interests. Your best chance of a favorable result comes when you rely on capable and determined defense counsel.
Contact our Brandon, FL law firm for effective defense to sex crime charges in Tampa
Don’t let a sex crime charge destroy your reputation and rob you of your freedom. Call Faught & Faught, P.A. today at 813-681-4246 or contact our Brandon, FL office online to schedule a consultation. Please be advised there may be a consultation fee for initial jailhouse visits.
