When a person is under investigation for a sex crime in Baltimore or has been charged, he or she may be able to raise a wide array of defenses with the objective of having the charges reduced or dropped. The facts related to any case will always be different; however, there are common defenses that a sex crimes lawyer in Baltimore might utilize. These include, without being limited to:
- Lack of evidence – If the prosecutor does not have enough physical evidence to prove the crime took place, he or she may be unable to convict them.
- False Accusation – Some offenders may be falsely accused by the alleged victim out of spite, revenge, or some other ulterior motive.
- Consent – It is possible for an alleged victim to claim a sexual offense was committed even though they originally consented to the sexual act or conduct with the alleged offender.
- Mistaken Identity – In some cases, the alleged victim mistakes the accused for someone else. This might lead to police arresting the wrong person and charging them with a sex crime.
- Affirmative Defense – Depending on the type of sex crime, the alleged offender might be able to raise an affirmative defense. This involves the alleged offender admitting to the offense; however, cannot be charged because a certain fact of the case negates the charges.
See How We Can Help
When you have been accused of something as serious as a sex crime, your attorney knows that a number of things may happen. For example, the police may try to get you to admit to this crime in various ways. If an investigator is hired, you may get an unexpected visit from them to simply “talk” about the situation in a friendly atmosphere. This is usually done in an attempt to put you at ease and make you admit to what you are being accused of. On the other hand, it is possible that the police will work with the person accusing you to try to record a phone call of you admitting to the crime. It is important, especially now, to remember to not discuss the details of your case with anyone except your attorney. Even if you are trying to explain your side or tell them you are not guilty of this crime it could somehow harm your case.
What You Should Do After an Accusation
When it comes to being accused of a sex crime of any kind, it is imperative that you realize an accusation can harm your reputation, but a conviction can permanently damage it. Here are a few things to do once you have been accused.
- Understand the consequences. One of the worst things that can happen is a sex crime conviction because it can permanently, negatively change your life. Do not make the mistake of thinking that the other person has no case against you. Even worse, if you were working with an attorney who tells you not to worry or tells you the other person has no case, you should switch to a Baltimore, Maryland sex crimes lawyer who will take your case seriously.
- Create a history of events. Sit down with your attorney and create a timeline around the accusation time. Not just the day-of. Did you have a doctor’s appointment? Were you out of town? Speak with your attorney about the details of the days in question.
- Be wary of what you say. Any person knows that confessing to someone else about their crime is the wrong step. However, if you are trying to tell people in your friends’ group or your family that you are innocent, this could still come back to harm your case. Don’t post on social media, don’t email or text anyone about your case. Leave that to your attorney.
If you are facing any charge involving a sexual offense, it is important you speak with a sex crimes lawyer Baltimore, MD residents can count on, such as Greenberg Law Offices; call our firm right away.