Sexual Crimes Attorneys

Probably one of the worst types of crimes to be accused of is a sex crime. These types of cases often carry both a stigma and an emotional burden not encountered in other areas of the law. In addition to potentially lengthy prison sentences, a person convicted of a sexual offense will face both the sex offender registration and sex offender notification provisions of Alabama law. In other words, not only does the accused person face potential prison, but also being listed as a sex offender and having the local community notified if the individual is convicted as a sex offender.

Sex Crimes Frequently Asked Questions

 

I have been contacted by an investigator who wishes to speak with me regarding a sexual offense.  Should I speak with them?

 

While every situation is different, and while this website is not meant to serve as legal advice,If you are being investigated regarding any sexual offense, you would be wise to contact an attorney immediately, and priorto speaking with any law enforcement officer.

 

There are several reasons for this.  First, your lawyer will be trying to protect your rights. Second the agenda of a law enforcement officer may be to try to confirm what he already believes, which is often that the person whom he wishes to investigate has committed a criminal offense.  Under the laws the United States Constitution as well as the laws of the state ofAlabama, an accused person has no obligation to answer questions regarding the matter that a law enforcement officer is investigating.  Additionally, if after speaking with a lawyer, a decision was made that it would in fact be beneficial to provide information to law enforcement, this can be done at a later date.

 

The investigator told me that if I don’t speak without I will be arrested.  What do I do?

 

Think about the statement that“You will  be arrested if you do not speak with a law enforcement officer.”

 

What does this really mean? It could mean that the officer already has enough information to arrest you.  If this is true, then the only reason that someone would want to speak with the police would be to convince them that they are in fact wrong. Talking to a lawyer prior to making any decision as to whether or not to speak with the police does not prevent you from supplying information later on if it is in fact helpful to there case. Their many people in jail who wish they had never tried to convince the police of their innocence and probably a good number of people who have never been convicted in the chosen to speak with an experienced lawyer first.

 

If the police officers statement that “You will be arrested if you do not speak with a law enforcement officer” is not true, that would mean that the police officer or investigator is bluffing in an attempt to get you to provide him with enough information to arrest you. Once again the wisest course of action, is to speak with a lawyer who’s experienced in handling sex crimes defense.

 

But what if they arrest me because I didn’t speak with them?

 

That means that they had enough evidence to arrest you, anyway.  Bear in mind that while a person can be arrested for a crime based on “probable cause” to believe they may have committed the crime, this is a world away from proving in a jury trial, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the person actually committed the crime.  While being arrested is certainly unpleasant, going to prison for a long period of time is worse.  If you are arrested, you are generally entitled to a bond, and if your bond is too high, your lawyer can request that the court lower it.

 

I want to hire a lawyer to defend me and I am charged (or believe I will be charged) with a sexual crime.  What do I look for in a lawyer?

 

Sexual offenses are vigorously pursued by law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office.  To properly defend a sexual crime , a lawyer must thoroughly investigate both the legal and factual elements of your case. For a variety of reasons, these cases are often extremely complicated and emotionally charged.  The investigation of these cases often requires tracking down witnesses, investigating physical evidence, and thoroughly and carefully preparing a cross examinations that are sufficiently strong to assist the defense yet delicate enough not to antagonize a judge or jury in a case where the states witness may be someone with whom the judge or jury’s sympathies lie; for example, a young child or a woman who appears to be vulnerable or delicate on the witness stand.

 

Your lawyer also should be one who is sufficiently experienced to file all appropriate pretrial motions and investigate the background histories of the individuals involved in the case.

 

Because these cases are extremely intense and often quite complicated, you should question any lawyer that you’re considering hiring as to their background and experience relating to cases of this nature.

 

How much money does it cost to higher a lawyer for a case like this?

 

Does every case is different is of course impossible to provide any kind of a blanket or set fee in cases of this nature.  However, because these cases are legally complicated and because emotions run high and prosecutors often seek high end sentences, the defense of sexual offenses usually is significantly more expensive than defending other types of criminal charges. At Segal and Segal, our fees are set by the complexity and severity of the offense as well as the client specific objectives in pursuing the case.  For example, cases tried to a jury are always more expensive than those cases in which the client simply wishes to negotiate the lowest possible sentence.

At Segal and Segal, we offer a confidential and free initial consultation so that you can determine, if we are the right lawyers for you.

 

What kind of experience doesSegal and Segal have in defending sexual offenses?

 

Segal and Segal, have defended individuals charged with a wide variety of sexual offenses.  These include charges such as rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, indecent exposure, soliciting prostitution, possession of child pornography, production of child pornography and child sexual abuse.  We have defended individuals from all walks of life, including law enforcement officers, individuals in the medical profession, and many other professions. We have also defended those people who are less fortunate and who struggle to be able to afford an attorney.

Sex Crimes Defense Lawyers Madison County

At the Law Offices of Segal & Segal you can expect to be treated with respect. Whether you desire justice or mercy, it is our job to protect clients to the utmost of our abilities. For the wrongly accused, we believe in their innocence and fight to prove this, both in and out of the courtroom. We will do absolutely everything that we legally and ethically can to fight for justice and freedom. For those against whom evidence has been illegally or improperly obtained, we will do everything in our power to prevent such evidence from harming your case. For those who have made mistakes and seek mercy, we will do everything we can to protect you and minimize the potential consequences faced in often delicate circumstances.

Rest assured that anything that you have to say will be kept in strict confidence by our firm so that every effort can be made to create a solid defense on your behalf. It is critical that you hire a defense attorney from the start--otherwise it may hinder the outcome of your case. A sex-crimes conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. Do not allow this to occur because you failed to provide yourself with the proper legal care and representation. Segal and Segal have defended many people accused of many varied sex crimes. We are prepared to do so for you.

Contact the Law Offices of Segal & Segal today for a free case consultation by an experienced Huntsville sex crimes attorney.