Can You Be Tried for Multiple Sex Crimes at One Time?
Accusations can sometimes snowball with multiple people accusing you of the same crime, but all occurring at different times. Not only is this jarring, to say the least, especially when you are being wrongfully accused, but you may get wrapped up in multiple trials for months and years to come.
In this brief article, we spoke with our team of criminal defense attorneys in Tampa at The Rickman Law Firm to share what happens if you are charged with multiple unrelated sex crimes that took place during different occasions.
Same Crime, Different Day
The biggest question in this case is whether or not all the sex crimes will be heard in the same trial. The short answer: it depends on the individual case, the allegations, and the parties involved, including the district attorney and prosecutor.
Although its hard to answer that question in a general sense, there are a few things that might happen if you are accused of multiple sex crimes.
Let’s say, for example, you are charged with sexual assault by several women in your workplace, all of whom come forward with allegations around the same time. You might wind up being charged with multiple counts of the same crime, which would be included together in the same trial.
Now, let’s look at a different type of situation. Let’s say there is a string of sex crimes within your city that occurred over a span of months or even years. The allegations are different, but the charges are fairly similar in each case.
These might be tried separately, but it’s up to the judge and prosecutor to decide. Typically, for cases to be tried together, they must have some level of connection, which is why these might not be tried together.
You’ll need the best criminal lawyer in Tampa to help you understand how many charges you’ll face and what the trial situation will be like for your specific case.
Double Jeopardy
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention double jeopardy in context of multiple charges for different occurrences of sex crimes. Unlike the Ashley Judd movie, it doesn’t mean you can get away with the same or a similar crime after you already were found not guilty once.
The rule of double jeopardy only means that the government can’t prosecute someone more than once for the same crime. That doesn’t mean that you can never be charged with a sex crime again, it only means that you can’t be tried with the same sex crime for the same time, place, and victim.
Double jeopardy does not mean you won’t face multiple trials for multiple sex crimes.
Defend Yourself With the Best Criminal Lawyer in Tampa
If you’ve been accused of multiple sex crimes, you will need the best criminal lawyer in Tampa. Contact The Rickman Law Firm today to find out the best defense for your situation and to help you navigate all of your charges, deadlines, hearings, and trial needs.
For a free consultation with criminal defense attorneys in Tampa, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.