How Florida Prosecutors Gather Evidence for Sex Crimes Cases
If you have been charged with a sex crime in Tampa, you have rights during the investigative process and judicial trial. Facing allegations of rape, sexual battery, or any other sex crime case is a lengthy, complex process that should not be endured alone. As the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa, The Rickman Law Firm’s aggressive, experienced, and highly knowledgeable attorneys are reputable and will guide and protect you during the course of the judicial proceedings. It is vital that you understand each step of the investigation and what types of evidence could be sought out and gathered by the accusing party. Find more information on how Florida prosecutors gather evidence for sex crimes cases.
When Does the Evidence Gathering Process Begin?
As soon as a report is filed against you, the investigation process will begin. While you may not be aware that there is an investigation being conducted against you, especially for an extended period, the first process is usually without any contact with the accused. During this period, investigators will conduct interviews and collect recounts from relative parties. This investigation may also include securing warrants for tapping your phone lines or recording your electronic devices.
Once you become aware that you are being investigated, you should not call the police or contact the victim on your own and immediately find a highly reputable, experienced federal criminal defense lawyer in Tampa to help protect you during the process. When gathering evidence, prosecutors and investigators can and will use anything that you say or do in court. You may be contacted by the investigating officer to meet for questioning once the preliminary investigation is finished but do not agree to anything without thoroughly consulting with your attorney.
Types of Evidence That Could Be Gathered
Sex crime accusations and charges are extremely serious and consequential, both inside and outside the court of law. When facing allegations, hiring an attorney from The Rickman Law Firm, the best criminal defense law firm in Tampa, will offer you the expertise to understand the implications of any evidence found, gathered, or seized within the criminal trial process. The representation needed to promote and prove your innocence cannot be attained on your own, and hiring a legal expert who is highly reputable within the court system will heighten your chances of lessened fines or even a dropped case.
One of the most important aspects of the evidence-gathering process of a sex crime case is that the prosecuting party will have to disclose the evidence that has been gathered for the defense to inspect, test, and record within 15 days of filing the Notice of Discovery. This can prove beneficial to your case in that you and your attorney can take an aggressive approach in promoting your innocence to persuade the prosecution to not file any charges against you or for a jury to acquit you.
Some of the evidence that could be gathered and reported, whether in the 15 days or during the entirety of the lengthy investigative process includes, but is not limited to:
- Personal background from witnesses, alibis, and informants, including all persons known to the prosecutor that could have any relevant information to the charged offense allegation
- Personal statements from witnesses, alibis, and informants, including all persons known to the prosecutor that could have any relevant information to the charged offense allegation
- Personal statements, oral or recorded, from the defendant
- Any materials and documents obtained from the defendant seized by the prosecution
- Any evidence gathered via the means of electronic surveillance, including but not limited to wiretapping and electronic device recordings
- Reports or statements made by experts regarding the accused crime, the defendant, or the prosecutor, including physical or mental examinations and any results of scientific tests or laboratory experiments
- Any evidence of material that could be tested for DNA samples
The prosecution is required to include and explicitly disclose any gathered or known information, called exculpatory evidence, within the state’s possession or control that negates the guilt and promotes the innocence of the defendant. There could be a case dismissal with ample, solid exculpatory evidence.
Find A Diligent, Aggressive Attorney in Tampa to Fight For You
The Rickman Law Firm’s experienced and aggressive Tampa federal criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight for your innocence in your sex crime case. We will use our countless resources to find the right intricate details to fight for your justice. If you have been accused of a sex crime offense, it is vital that you contact an experienced attorney immediately. Our law firm is skilled and has great experience in State and Federal courts for sexually related crime accusations and trials.
For your free consultation with a sex crime defense attorney in Tampa, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, fill out our consultation form or call The Rickman Law Firm any time today at 813-999-0502.
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.