Understanding the Consequences of Child Molestation Charges

Child molestation charges can expose the offender to serious, lifelong consequences. If you face charges, you should discuss your case with an experienced, compassionate Sex Crimes attorney in Nashville who can review your charges and help you understand what to expect from the criminal court process.

Child Molestation Charges

Child molestation and child pornography charges carry some of the most serious consequences available to a criminal defendant. If convicted, you may face felony penalties including significant jail time and life-long reporting requirements with the sexual offender registry. Therefore, it’s important that you discuss your case with a qualified attorney who can help build a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Building a Defense Strategy

In any criminal defense case, an attorney can review the facts surrounding how evidence was collected and the specific charges filed. Criminal defendants are afforded particular rights in the evidence-collecting and investigation phase. If evidence was collected in violation of due process rights and prohibitions against unreasonable searches and seizures, this could form the basis for a defense strategy. For example, if police collected evidence without a proper warrant or beyond the scope of an issued warrant, your attorney may petition the court to have this evidence suppressed.

Regardless of the crime charged, the prosecution has the burden of proving each and every element against the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can review these charges as well as the evidence probing for any weaknesses in the case. In some cases, these weaknesses may be enough to warrant a dismissal of charges. In other cases, they may be used as a negotiating tool for a lesser charge or plea bargain. Your attorney cannot guarantee a specific result, but these are some of the considerations that may go into building a defense strategy.

Your Role During the Criminal Process

If you have been charged, you may be under a court order or bail conditions pending trial. It’s important you understand what these are so discuss them in detail with your lawyer. You must show up for any court hearings and obey orders such as refraining from drugs or alcohol or having contact with the victim. If you fail to follow court orders, this can put your freedom at risk and expose you to additional charges.

If you have been charged with child molestation or other crimes, it’s critical that you engage the services of a skilled Sex Crimes lawyer in Nashville as soon as possible. The sooner you have sound legal advice, the more options you may have for building a defense. To make an appointment with Horst Law, call .