5 Misconceptions About Sex Crime Accusations
Myth No. 1: An Accusation Means The Person Is Guilty
Like any crime, there are accusations and there is guilt. Both are completely different. Police and investigators make mistakes, and innocent people face charges or great exaggerations. If you are in this situation and facing a sex crime accusation, do not give up. People are innocent until proven guilty, and you have a legal right to defend your name.
Myth No. 2: Refusing To Let Police Search Your Property Is Admitting Guilt
Police do not have the right to barge into your home and search your property. Just like an officer can’t start ripping through your closets without the proper warrant, the same officer can’t access the hard drive of your computer without first obtaining a search warrant.
Do not give police access to your property without making them first obtain a warrant. Just letting them look around could lead to a wrongful conviction for a crime you did not commit.
Myth No. 3: The Police Are Looking Out For You
All too often the police will act like they are on your side. They say they just want to search around, hoping you will give them access without requiring a search warrant first. Other times, they act like they are on your side – just wanting to ask you a few questions.
Make no mistake: The police are not on your side. They are actively trying to gather evidence to use against you later. If you give them access without a warrant or answer questions without an attorney present, you could be jeopardizing your future.
Myth No. 4: You Can’t Change The Degree Of The Charge
The severity of possible penalties is greatly tied to the degree of a charge. For example, if you are facing a first-degree sex offense, as opposed to a third-degree sex offense, you are most likely facing more severe consequences, such as a longer prison sentence.
While a not-guilty plea is one part of a criminal defense strategy, it may not always make sense given the specifics of the case. Part of a successful criminal defense strategy may be for your lawyer to negotiate with the prosecution to change the degree of the charge.
Myth No. 5: Consequences End With Jail Time
While you could be facing a significant prison sentence, the consequences do not end there – as you could end up having to register as a sex offender for the rest of your life. This means the stigma will continue to follow you as you go through life, impacting everything from your personal relationships to where you can live and work.
A sex crime accusation is one of the most serious offenses you can be facing. Do not take any part of this lightly.
At the Law Offices of Charles L. Waechter, I give all cases the care and attention to detail they deserve. I have been defending people accused of sex crimes for more than 40 years. I understand what you are up against and will fight for the best possible outcome. Contact my Maryland law firm online or call 410-886-7476 so we can talk more about your case. I have offices in Baltimore, Bel Air, Annapolis and Ocean City.
