Being arrested for a sex crime can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. The legal process is complex, involving many steps and potential legal challenges. St. Petersburg sex crime arrests do not just expose you to potential criminal liability—they also impact your relationships, your job, and your reputation.
The team at Goldman Wetzel focuses on safeguarding our clients’ rights, not just in the courtroom but in the rest of their lives as well. Our collaborative approach ensures our attorneys work together to craft a defense that addresses every aspect of your case, starting with your arrest. Call today to begin working with a dedicated legal advocate.
In many cases, a sex crime arrest in St. Petersburg follows an investigation by local law enforcement, federal agencies, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Defendants are often aware of these investigations and may have an opportunity to contact an attorney before the arrest occurs. Depending on the case, arrests can happen immediately after a report is made or months—or even years—later.
Once law enforcement finds enough evidence to establish probable cause, they will seek an arrest warrant. If you are already working with an attorney, your legal team may be able to negotiate your surrender. If not, police will locate and arrest you.
After the arrest, you will be processed at the police station. Processing typically involves fingerprinting, photographing, and basic questioning. The police may also attempt to interrogate you.
You are not required to answer any questions during this process. Regardless of whether the police inform you of your Miranda rights, you have the right to remain silent and request legal counsel. Invoking your right to an attorney before speaking with law enforcement is always in your best interest.
After an arrest, a defendant makes an initial appearance before a judge. This usually occurs within 24 hours of the arrest, though it can take more time. The judge reviews the charges and decides bail based on the accusations and other information about the defendant, their ties to the community, and the defendant’s criminal history. In theory, the only purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant appears for trial. Under that theory, only flight risks would be denied bail. However, if the judge determines that the defendant poses a danger to the community, they can also deny bail.
Bail may or may not have conditions. Some bail conditions after sex crime arrests in St. Petersburg could include restrictions on contacting the victim, limitations on internet or device usage, electronic monitoring, and even house arrest. If the allegations involve a minor, bail conditions may also include prohibitions against having any contact with minors.
One of the harshest realities of a sex crime arrest in St. Petersburg is the public nature of the charges. For adult suspects, arrests become part of the public record. Media outlets and websites may report on the case, often including your name, photograph, and details of the allegations.
This publicity can be incredibly damaging to a defendant. Theoretically, people get the benefit of the presumption of innocence. In reality, even accusations of sex crimes that do not result in a conviction can get someone labeled a sex offender by friends, family members, loved ones, and the community at large. While an attorney cannot obscure the details of an arrest, they can help a defendant do damage control to protect their reputation and help them regain control of their narrative.
A sex crime arrest is only the beginning of the legal process. Every decision you make from this point forward can influence the outcome of your case. With Goldman Wetzel, you will have a dedicated team fighting to protect your rights and future. While an attorney cannot guarantee any outcomes, having the help of a lawyer almost always increases a defendant’s chances of having a positive interaction at these stages. Contact the firm today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward building your defense after a St. Petersburg sex crime arrest.