Common Mistakes to Avoid in Sex Crimes Cases in Florida
Sex crimes are some of the most severe offenses in Florida. If convicted of a sex crime, a person can face harsh, life-altering consequences. There have been many cases where individuals who have been charged with sex crimes unknowingly made a common mistake that affected their defense and positioning, making it harder to defend themselves in court and potentially hurting their case.
As the local, leading legal office, The Rickman Law Firm’s highly-experienced Tampa sexual battery lawyers are here to provide insight into the top common mistakes to avoid if you have been charged with a sex crime.
Not Immediately Hiring an Experienced Sexual Battery Attorney
Sex crimes are considered very serious in Florida and can result in severe punishments that could completely upturn your life. From lifetime sentences to heavy fines and a lifelong placement on the sex offender registration, you could potentially be facing dire consequences if convicted.
To position yourself for the most desirable outcome during a sex crimes case, you need to hire an experienced Tampa sexual battery attorney. Your attorney will have the experience and thorough knowledge required to navigate the complex legal proceedings of a sex crimes case, as well as Florida’s criminal justice system, and will be able to help create the strongest defense for your case.
Speaking With Law Enforcement or Investigators Without Your Attorney Present
During the investigative period for a sex crime, law enforcement or investigating parties may try to reach out to you for questioning. According to Miranda Rights, you have the right to remain silent, as well as the right to an attorney, as anything that you saw can, and potentially will, be used against you in court. Investigators and law enforcement may directly reach out to contact you without you expecting it. Still, you should not give in and communicate with them on your own accord – even in situations where you are caught off guard.
Your attorney is there to help guide you through the legal system and protect you if your rights are infringed upon. Moreover, they are there to advise you on how to conduct yourself in the best manner possible during the investigative process and further, if your case goes to trial. To best protect yourself during the preliminary investigation phase, do not make contact with investigators without your attorney,
Reaching Out to the Accusing Party
Following suit to the fact that you should not speak to law enforcement on your own, you should never take it upon yourself to reach out to the accusing party, even if it is to try and clear your name directly to them. Anything that you say can and will be used against you; it is best to completely avoid any possibility of self-incrimination due to misspeaking or heightened emotions guiding what you say.
Whether the communication would be virtual or in-person, you should not seek out communication with any individual in the accusing party. It is best to lay low and avoid making contact with anybody that you do not need to make contact with.
Failing to Understand the Charges Against You
Sex crimes are complex, difficult cases to navigate, let alone understand. Each possible charge of a sex crime is further organized in severity by many factors. You must understand the specifics of the charge against you, as well as any possible punishments and penalties that you could face. As the accused party, you have a legal right to be aware of the charges against you, and what those charges imply in a court of law.
Your Tampa sexual battery attorney should have the expert knowledge to be able to explain the nuances of your accusation and your positioning. Their goal is to inform and equip you and your defense with the best tools and strategies possible to help your case.
Not Disclosing All Information and Evidence to Your Attorney
To help your Tampa sexual battery lawyer build the strongest defense for you, they need to be fully aware of all evidence that you are aware of that could help your case. You must be completely transparent about everything you know concerning your accusation because your attorney is there to help you. If you withhold any information or evidence from your lawyer, it could be devastating to your case, or at the very least, make it a lot more difficult to build a solid, strong defense.
Evidence is the cornerstone of sex crimes case defense strategies. It is essential to preserve any evidence that can help support your case. Whether it is a text message, social media post, picture, or other communication forms, ensure that you organize and keep any evidence to share with your attorney.
Let The Rickman Law Firm Best Guide You Through Your Case Proceedings
Sex crimes require a strong defense in the state of Florida. Because they are tried harshly, you should equip yourself with the knowledge and protection to be best positioned for a desirable outcome. Take your case seriously, and allow your attorney to be the one to guide you through the legal process. Avoid mistakes that could hurt your defense, and ensure that you are conducting yourself in the best manner, as directed by your legal professional.
The Rickman Law Firm has built the highest-quality tools and strategies to represent clients in Tampa for decades successfully. We are here to create the most effective defense strategy for your justice and protect your rights every step of the way.
Trust the experts at The Rickman Law Firm with your sex crime case, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our office at any point by calling us at 813-999-0502 or fill out our consultation form for one of our attorneys to reach out to you soon.
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.