An accusation of a sex crime can harm your reputation unless you vigorously defend yourself. A conviction for a sexual offense can have devastating legal and personal consequences for your life. Your first step in this situation should be to speak to a trusted and resourceful St Louis criminal defense lawyer who can fight to protect your rights.
Why Hire a Top-Rated St Louis Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are charged with a sex crime such as molestation, rape, and child pornography, the penalties can be extremely severe. Federal charges may be additionally involved in an Internet or social media related sex crime that goes beyond state lines. Lengthy jail time is often imposed if you are convicted of any such crime. Even when you avoid imprisonment, you may still be required to register as a sex offender.
To build a strong defense against these serious sex crime charges, you should have an accomplished St Louis criminal defense lawyer on your side. Your lawyer can investigate the case thoroughly and identify the areas where reasonable doubt exists or can be created regarding the claims of the accuser.
A skillful attorney can also negotiate with the prosecution, show them facts that exemplify your general character, and argue that the act was not exactly a sex crime, but merely an indiscretion. Where possible, your sex crime lawyer St Louis will present mitigating evidence in your favor. This could include records related to employment, counseling, testimonies of respected individuals, and psychological test reports to argue that you are not a sex offender or a pedophile.
Sometimes the allegations against you might be entirely fabricated just to intimidate or retaliate against you in a high conflict divorce, bitter custody battle, or property dispute. A competent attorney can put an aggressive defense where required to expose the falsehood of the allegations
Tips to Follow if You are Being Investigated
If you suspect or have information that you or someone in your family is under investigation for a sex crime in Missouri, you should follow a few important suggestions from legal experts.
- Never talk or answer questions from a law enforcement officer unless you first have a St Louis criminal defense lawyer present. Do not assume that cooperation or independent handling of the situation with the police will help you in any way. You must recognize the gravity of the potential consequences and go by the legal advice of your attorney.
- If you believe you may be under investigation for child pornography, do not give consent to the police for conducting any search of your computer, cell phone, car, or home. Your attorney will probably give you this advice.
- Do not attempt to hide away or destroy any incriminating evidence. This type of action may be viewed by the court as your recognition of your guilt. Advanced forensic technologies are available today to recover evidence. Follow the advice of your St Louis criminal defense lawyer in these critical matters.
Legal Help is Here for You
A mere accusation, investigation, or charge of a sex crime can jeopardize your life, relationships, business, employment, and personal reputation. At Miller & Hine, our attorneys are committed to providing you the best possible defense against such charges or accusations. For a free consultation, call us today at (314) 413-2053 or contact us online.