What Happens When You Are Charged With a Sex Crime in Hillsborough County?
According to Safewise, Florida is among the 50 safest areas to live in the world. But, the sex crime ratio in this state is disproportionate.
While we will not sugarcoat the pains of real sexual assault victims, the truth is that in certain circumstances, be it broken relationships, custody battles, or even revenge, false accusations may come to the surface.
And because of the nature of the crime, guilty until proven innocent is often the norm, and some police officers are more likely to become a witness against you rather than hear your side.
Therefore, when you’re charged with a sex crime in Hillsborough County or anywhere else, you must take quick action. And the key to acting quickly on your feet is to know what happens next. Read on to learn more from a top sexual battery attorney in Tampa.
Actions to Take Once You’ve Been Accused of a Sex Crime
Breaking Contact With the Accuser and Those Who Support Them
Facing a sexual assault accusation is a life-changing event that can only become worse, depending on your reaction. Your first instinct would often be to contact your accuser – you must refrain. When you’re charged and the police don’t have enough evidence against you, the policy will fight tooth and nail to find something to pin you with. And in a moment of poor judgement, you may say something that, while not purely accusatory, can put you in a bad light.
When you’re charged, the next step for the police is to gather physical evidence. For you, the next step should be to cease all contact between you and your accuser and those who support them.
Acting Quickly and Reaching Out to a Lawyer
Once you have removed all contact with your accuser, you must contact a sexual battery attorney in Tampa. Having an attorney at your side will allow you to make wise moves at every step of the case. The lawyer will start an immediate investigation, starting with finding out the type of sex crime you’re accused of. Their job will be to drill down and get answers to questions and most importantly, the reason behind the accusation.
Building a Defense
Once you have the top criminal attorneys in Tampa at your side, the defense-building process will begin. It is likely that at the same time, the prosecutor’s side will also start collecting the evidence to support their assault claims. Since you’re the one being charged, you’d be up against police, psychologists, and forensic experts – who – perhaps through their own biases – will work hard to find you guilty. However, with the help of a sexual battery attorney in Tampa with the Rickman Law Firm by your side, you’d be able to mount a great defense.
Sex Crimes Penalties in Florida
Because sexual assaults affect the personal and social lives of the victims for a long time, and because public calls for convictions regarding rape are high, Florida authorities have increased the penalties for sex crimes.
A Sex crime can result in a second-degree felony or a capital or life felony conviction. A second-degree felony is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. For a capital felony, the punishment can be life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and fines of up to $15,000.
However, these pale in comparison to what might happen to your reputation. That is why, if you’re charged with a sex crime, ensure that you’ve enlisted the help of the top criminal attorneys in Tampa within your reach.
Contact The Rickman Law Firm today for a free case consultation.
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.