In St. Petersburg, sex crime allegations are taken very seriously. Given the gravity of these charges, handling the matter alone without the assistance of an experienced legal professional by your side is not advisable.
Sex crime allegations can be overwhelming. Whether this is your first encounter with the legal system or you have prior convictions, understanding what to expect from St. Petersburg sex crime cases and how to protect your rights is crucial. Our knowledgeable team of sex crimes defense attorneys is here to guide you through each step of the legal process and work toward the best possible resolution.
If you are facing sex crime charges in St. Petersburg, you might be tempted to underestimate the situation, especially if you are innocent. It is important to recognize that even if you believe you have a strong case, the prosecution might still present compelling evidence or witnesses.
Working with a dedicated legal team from the start is essential. Our attorneys will review the prosecution’s evidence, interview witnesses, and identify any constitutional violations that may have occurred during the investigation or arrest. For example, if the police did not obtain a valid search warrant before seizing evidence from your car or home, our attorneys might be able to get a court to exclude any evidence they collected from the case. Our proactive approach includes conducting our own independent investigation to uncover evidence and witnesses that could support your defense.
Some people feel compelled to speak to the police and anyone else who will listen to try to defend themselves when they are facing sex crime accusations in St. Petersburg. They want to clear up the problems that led to the mistaken charges against them. For instance, a defendant might believe the prosecution is based on a simple case of misidentification. They might feel that all they need to do is make a statement to the police that will clear their name.
Unfortunately, speaking to the police without an attorney present is never a good idea. Instead of helping the defense, speaking to the police without a defense attorney can actually strengthen the prosecution’s case. A well-informed local attorney can sit with a defendant during initial and subsequent police questioning to help them skillfully answer appropriate questions in a police interview.
If convicted of a sex crime in St. Petersburg, a defendant could face life-altering consequences. If the sex-related crime is a felony offense, a defendant would likely face a mandatory prison sentence, which would vary in length depending on the severity of the alleged crime. In addition, they would need to register as a sex offender for the rest of their life. After being released from prison, they would need to follow the terms of sex offender probation, which would restrict where they can live or work, set a curfew, and mandate counseling. In certain circumstances, convicted offenders can also face civil involuntary commitment. With a felony conviction on their permanent record, they would likely find it hard to obtain a job or secure a housing loan.
Because the consequences are so harsh, working with an experienced team who knows how to fight back is critical. A dedicated attorney can listen to the details of the incident and work tirelessly to help you develop the best strategy to fit your individual case.
If you fear you are going to be charged with a sex crime or you are already facing charges, you should reach out to a local law firm that knows exactly what to expect from St. Petersburg sex crime cases. A skilled criminal defense lawyer cares about what happens to you and would take the time to delve deeply into your case. They could aggressively defend your rights and protect you throughout every stage of the prosecution.
Work with a law firm that knows how to get results. Call Goldman Wetzel today.