Few situations are more frightening – or more serious – than being accused of a sex crime. Whether the accusation comes from a former partner, a coworker, a stranger, or even someone close to you, the consequences can be life-altering.
If you’ve been accused of a sex crime in West Palm Beach but haven’t yet been arrested or charged, this is your opportunity to act strategically.
What you do now can have a huge impact on how your case unfolds—and whether or not charges are ever filed at all.
At Pakett Law, our local West Palm Beach defense lawyers help clients in this exact position.
Need advice from a criminal lawyer in West Palm Beach? Call Pakett Law today at 561-318-0531.
Here’s what you need to know, and what steps you should take right now to protect yourself, your rights, and your future.
Do Not Talk to the Police or Investigators Without a Lawyer
If local law enforcement reaches out to “just ask some questions,” it’s easy to think you can clear things up with a simple conversation.
Don’t.
Anything you say can be misinterpreted, taken out of context, or used against you – even if you’re innocent. Detectives are trained to gather evidence, not to clear your name.
The moment you learn of an accusation, contact a defense attorney immediately. We can communicate on your behalf and ensure your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Avoid Talking to the Accuser or Mutual Contacts
You may feel tempted to reach out to the person making the accusation, especially if you think there’s been a misunderstanding. This is a major mistake.
Contacting the accuser or even mutual friends or family members about the allegations can:
- Be seen as an attempt to intimidate or influence them
- Lead to additional allegations (like witness tampering)
- Create statements that can be used against you
Let your attorney handle all communication moving forward. Your silence can’t be used as evidence – but the wrong words can.
Preserve Any Evidence That Could Help Your Defense
Don’t delete texts, emails, social media messages, or phone records. Even if you’re unsure whether they’re helpful, these digital records can become crucial later.
Tell your attorney about:
- Any communication you’ve had with the accuser
- Witnesses who may have relevant information
- Locations you were at (or not at) during the alleged incident
We can help you collect and securely store this information for use in your defense.
Protect Your Privacy – Online and Off
Sex crime accusations often lead to a rush of judgment in the public eye – even before formal charges are filed. Now is the time to lock down your social media accounts and avoid discussing the situation publicly or online.
A single post, comment, or “like” can be twisted and used against you. Even if you think your account is private, law enforcement may still gain access during an investigation.
Understand the Stakes (and the Opportunities)
Sex crime allegations are among the most aggressively investigated and prosecuted offenses in Florida.
A conviction can carry:
- Decades in prison
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Loss of custody, employment, or your professional license
- Permanent damage to your reputation
But when you act early, before charges are filed, your attorney may be able to:
- Prevent charges from ever being filed
- Challenge the credibility of the accuser
- Present exonerating evidence to prosecutors
- Negotiate pre-filing resolutions
This is why hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately is not just important – it may be the most important decision you make.
Why Clients Turn to Pakett Law in Sensitive Cases
We know that being accused of a sex crime – even if it’s completely false – can derail every aspect of your life. At Pakett Law, we bring years of experience and discretion to the table. We understand how to handle these situations confidentially, strategically, and with urgency.
We’ve helped clients:
- Avoid arrest
- Resolve investigations without charges
- Mount powerful pre-charge defenses
- Protect their families, their careers, and their future
Accused of a Sex Crime But Not Yet Charged? Contact Us Immediately.
If you’re being investigated or believe you might be accused of a sex crime in West Palm Beach, you cannot afford to wait. The sooner we get involved, the more options we have to protect you.
Call Pakett Law today for a confidential consultation. There is no charge to speak with us, and we will give you honest, strategic advice about your next steps.
Accused or Arrested of a Sex Crime? Don’t Wait – Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Palm Beach Today
The bottom line is this: if you’ve been charged with a crime or are under investigation, the best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is immediately. Already arrested? You’re likely to have question too. That’s why we are here.
The earlier you have professional legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding critical mistakes, protecting your rights, and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Remember – arrests are common in Florida, the legal consequences are serious, and having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you were charged with a serious crime in West Palm Beach or anywhere in the state of Florida, please schedule a free consultation with The Pakett Law Group. You can call 561-318-0531 or email us here.
The Pakett Law Group, PA is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality representation. With over a decade of legal experience, West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer Brian T. Pakett and his team of West Palm Beach criminal lawyers possess a comprehensive understanding of Florida criminal law – which can benefit you in your time of need.