A sex crime conviction can feel like a ton of bricks have literally crushed you. Not only could you be facing serious fines as well as a long prison sentence, but there is also a negative social stigma that surrounds any sex crime accusation. You may find that colleagues, neighbors and members of the community all of a sudden do not want to know you. Your personal and professional life could suffer and this is all before you have even gone to court. As soon as you are accused or arrested under a sex crime allegation, you need to contact a lawyer. The quicker you get legal representation, the better off you will be before, during and after the trial.
Sex Crime Arrests
There are a number of crimes that constitute as a ‘sex crime’ including felony offenses such as criminal sexual conduct, rape, sexual assault and incest. Misdemeanor sex crimes include prostitution, indecent exposure and fifth degree criminal sexual conduct. Internet sexual acts, such as distribution of child pornography, are also classified as sex crimes. If you are convicted of any of these arrests you could be looking at fines, jail time and rehabilitation as well as a permanent criminal conviction and registration as a sex offender.
Facing Sex Crimes Tips
There is no right or wrong way to handle a sex crime accusation. However, below are a few tips to get you through the upcoming events as best as possible:
- Surround yourself with supportive family and friends and stay away from those who are not supportive. When you are looking at this serious conviction, your friendships will be put on the line. You may find that some of your closest friends do not want to know you anymore. Be prepared to lose relationships. Your true friends and family will stick with you and this is what matters the most.
- Avoid the limelight as much as possible. If your sex crime case is a high profile case, you may be getting unwanted media attention. You do not have to hole yourself up like a hermit but you might want to avoid public events and high-traffic areas for the time being.
- Avoid triggers than can make the situation even worse including drugs and alcohol. You may want to drown your sorrows in alcohol or drugs but this is not a good idea. You will end up making the situation even worse and doing something you could regret down the road.
- Try to live life as normally as possible. In some instances, you may want to continue working. In other instances, you may find it better to take a couple of weeks off to prepare for the case and spend some quality time with loved ones. It is up to you. Do things you enjoy doing to keep your mind off the case – go for a run, rent your favorite DVD’s, cook your favorite meals, go to the beach and try to stay calm and relaxed.
Minnesota Criminal Defense Attorney
Don’t let a sex crime arrest affect the rest of your life. Protect your rights and reputation as well as your personal and professional life. If you or someone you love is facing a criminal conviction, then now is the time to step up and fight back. Contact Anoka criminal lawyer Michael Brandt at 763-421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.