What Are Strategies for Defending Against Illinois Sex Crime Charges?
Being accused of sexual assault, rape, child sexual abuse, or another sex crime can have life-changing consequences. If you were charged with this type of criminal offense, your personal reputation, career, and your very freedom may be on the line. If convicted, you could be looking at months, years, or even decades behind bars. You may also be required to register on the public sex offender registry. Developing a robust defense strategy is the best way to fight sex crime charges.
Avoiding Self-Incrimination by Refusing Police Interrogation
Many people do not realize it, but a strong defense strategy often starts before the criminal defendant even hires an attorney. If you have been accused of a sex crime, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is to remain silent. Do not answer police questions. The police may imply that you “must have something to hide” if you do not answer their questions, but this is only a tactic used to get you to talk. You have a Constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination. The best way to do this is to decline police questioning and ask for your lawyer.
Identifying Flaws in the Prosecution’s Case
Your lawyer may help you find evidence that contradicts the charges being brought against you and use this evidence to cast doubt on the prosecution’s claim. Remember, criminal charges are held to the highest possible standard of proof. This means that the prosecution must prove the required elements “beyond a reasonable doubt.” By finding inconsistencies or holes in the prosecution’s case against you, you may be able to weaken their case and demonstrate that there is reasonable doubt about your guilt. For example, your lawyer may find evidence that proves that you were not at the alleged crime scene when the alleged crime took place.
Discrediting the Accuser and the Prosecution’s Witnesses
Not everyone who has been accused of a sex crime actually committed a sex crime. Some people use false accusations of sexual assault or other sex crimes to seek revenge on the accused. Others bring false claims to avoid tarnishing their reputation. For example, an accuser may regret a consensual sexual encounter and therefore claim that the encounter was non-consensual. Some parents may even use false accusations of child sexual abuse in an attempt to gain an advantage in a child custody dispute. Your lawyer may be able to present evidence that damages the accuser’s credibility or trustworthiness. For example, if your lawyer can show that the accuser has been deceptive or manipulative in the past, this may cast doubt on the credibility of his or her current claims.
Contact a Plainfield, IL Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been charged with a sex crime, the penalties can be severe if convicted, and that is why you need an attorney who understands how to build a robust defense strategy. Contact the highly knowledgeable Will County criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. to obtain the legal support you deserve. Call today to schedule a confidential, free case consultation at 815-666-1285 or 815-733-5350.
Source:
https://www2.illinois.gov/osad/Publications/DigestbyChapter/CH%2041%20Reasonable%20Doubt.pdf
Please provide your Name or Case Number when submitting a payment. Thank you.
Will County Divorce Attorney, Plainfield Residential Real Estate Lawyer
Contact Our Firm
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
