What Should I Do If I’m Accused Of a Sex Crime in Missouri? If you’re accused of a sex crime in Missouri, it’s critical to handle the situation carefully to protect your rights and avoid worsening the situation. Sex crimes often carry long-term – if not permanent – consequences, including prison, online sex offender registry, living restrictions, loss of job, and a relentless social stigma.
You need to speak with an expert sex crimes defense lawyer at Combs Waterkotte immediately. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation where you can discuss the specifics of your case with our criminal defense attorneys.
What Should I Do If I’m Accused Of a Sex Crime in Missouri?
If you’re accused of a sex crime in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect yourself:
- Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation: It’s natural to feel panic, anger, or frustration. However, do not speak to law enforcement, the alleged victim, or anyone else about the allegations without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Hire an Experienced Defense Attorney Right Away: Seek legal representation from a lawyer who specializes in defending sex crime cases in Missouri as soon as possible. The knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte sex crime lawyers are available 24/7 and have successfully defended more than 10,000 cases just like yours. Call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online.
- Do Not Discuss Your Case With Anyone: While it may be tempting to talk to friends, family, or social media about the accusation, if only for comfort or a feeling of camaraderie, doing so can be risky. Even casual conversations can be taken out of context and used as evidence. It’s best to keep all discussions about the case between you and your attorney.
- Help Gather Evidence and Witnesses: Work with your attorney to collect any evidence that could support your defense, including documents, communications, and potential witnesses who can speak to your character or corroborate your side of the story. Remember that if you’re arrested your phone and other devices will likely be seized, so make sure to backup any favorable evidence you have on cloud-based storage. This may include:
- Text Messages & Email
- Social Media Posts/Messages
- Photos
- Videos
- Written Notes or Letters
- Any Physical Injuries You Have
- Beware of Police Pressure Tactics: Police officers use numerous techniques to trick you into giving a statement. Officers are even allowed to lie to you to elicit incriminating information. Allow your lawyer to do all the talking.
- Follow All Legal Procedures: If you’re required to attend court hearings or follow specific legal protocols, do so promptly and carefully. Missing court dates or not complying with orders can negatively affect your case. Adhere strictly to your attorney’s advice, whether it involves handling legal procedures, media inquiries, or managing your personal conduct throughout the case.
- Stay Positive and Prepare for a Long Process: Sex crime cases in Missouri take a long time to resolve, and the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Stay focused, follow your lawyer’s guidance, and remain patient as the legal process unfolds.
Combs Waterkotte understands that being subjected to a sex crime accusation in Missouri is daunting. We’re here to help. We’ll do whatever we can to protect yourself and your rights so that you can get the best possible outcome.
Call a skilled sex crimes lawyer at Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review.
