What to Do if You Are Being Investigated for a Sex Crime in Tampa, FL

You can expect your sex crime investigation to last for months, at the very least. The process is lengthy, with charging, investigating, and court system progression each taking, at least, a few weeks to occur. Being aware of how these lengthy, complex investigations occur and are conducted will better equip you in the case that you are being investigated based on sex crime allegations. In addition, quickly seeking out a criminal defense attorney for your Tampa will allow your case to be better positioned effectively for your justice. Here is a list of what can be expected during this process:

1. There will be a police report filed. This will either be by the plaintiff, someone who suspects that sexual criminal conduct, or even a police sting.
2. The preliminary investigation will take place. Typically, the alleged victim will be contacted, as well as any possible witnesses. The investigator will begin to gather their evidence and will look closely into your background
3. The  police will attempt to gather information through thorough interviews with the alleged victim and any relevant witnesses
4. The police may try to sneakily engage you through the methods of posing as children to attempt to lure the defendant to engage with them, especially online, posting online ads with made-up children being offered sexually, posing as someone who wants to obtain pornographic material from you, or securing warrants to tap your phone lines and investigate your electronics
5. The investigating officer will then contact you. This usually occurs when there is a belief of solid preliminary evidence of your alleged sex crime offense. Whether the officer asks to meet with you at home or have you come into the police station, you should never agree to anything before consulting with your attorney, ensuring that you give your attorney the officer’s name and contact information.
6. The investigation will continue, and if the investigative officer, or the prosecution, believes that there is enough gathered evidence, you will either be arrested and charged for your alleged offense, or the prosecution could seek an indictment. 
7. There may be a grand jury that is sought out to listen to the gathered evidence or a filed complaint alongside the gathered evidence, and the prosecution may even indict you for a felony sex offense charge. During this time, your Tampa criminal defense attorney will have been working diligently to gather evidence supporting your innocence. 
8. If your case gets to court, following your arrest, you will be brought in for your first appearance. You will be informed of the charges against you, as well as the conditions for your release, and your attorney will be there to negotiate on your behalf.

Our sex crimes defense team will guide you through the process, protecting you and your rights with each step. Lead Attorney Anthony Rickman is aggressive and diligent in fighting your charge and the accusation against you before you ever step foot in a courtroom. Many times, he can get the state to drop the charges and accusations against you before they even get to court.