Fight Back Against False Sexual Misconduct Allegations in Key West
In Florida, sex crime convictions carry severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment, significant fines, and mandatory sex offender registration. Even if you're innocent, you need to address a sex crime arrest before it devastates your personal and professional life. An experienced Key West criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Robert David Malove can help protect your rights, gather evidence to support your innocence and fight to protect you in court.
Steps to Protect Your Rights If You’re Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Key West
It may feel like your future has already been decided when you are arrested for a sexual battery or other sex crime, but an arrest is not a conviction. You are innocent until proven guilty, and while it is the prosecution’s job to prove you guilty, you may help prevent that from happening if you:
- Stay calm and don't panic. It's natural to feel scared, but keeping a clear head is essential. Remember your constitutional rights. Be polite and cooperative with police, but don’t speak without an attorney present.
- Document everything. Write down your version of events and gather any evidence that supports your innocence. Additionally, we encourage you to preserve digital evidence such as texts, emails, or messages that are relevant to your case.
- Seek character witnesses. Identify people who can vouch for your character and behavior.
- Contact a Key West sex crime defense lawyer. The Law Offices of Robert David Malove can provide individualized legal guidance to protect your rights. To us, you are never just a number or a client. We understand what you have at stake and will do everything possible to protect your rights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Falsely Accused of Sexual Misconduct
While you take the steps described above, it is just as important to avoid mistakes that could hurt your criminal defense case. Some common mistakes include:
- Confronting your accuser. Attempting to contact or confront your accuser can be interpreted as witness tampering or intimidation, potentially leading to additional charges.
- Posting on social media or making public statements. Refrain from making public statements about the case, including on social media. These statements could be misconstrued or used against you in court.
- Consenting to searches without a warrant. Politely decline any requests for searches of your property or electronic devices without a warrant.
- Ignoring the allegations against you. Hoping the criminal charges will simply go away can be a costly mistake. Taking prompt action with the help of an experienced attorney is crucial for protecting your rights and building a strong defense.
There may be additional mistakes you can avoid. Our legal team will advise you so that you don’t make potentially costly errors that impact the fair outcome of your sexual battery case.
Why You Still Need a Key West Sex Crime Defense Lawyer – Even If You’re Innocent
Being innocent isn’t enough. You want to keep prosecutors from proving you committed a crime so that you avoid:
- Significant penalties. Sexual battery convictions in Florida can result in fines, lengthy prison sentences, and lifelong sex offender registration.
- Damage to your reputation. A sexual battery conviction can harm your personal and professional life.
By hiring an experienced Key West sex crime defense lawyer, you won’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The Law Offices of Robert David Malove can guide you through this challenging time, protect your rights, and fight for your innocence. We represent criminal defense clients facing many different types of crimes, and we bring the same attention and dedication to each case. Here is what one of our clients, Bruce, said about working with Robert, “Having never been in any legal difficulty before, you can imagine the sinking feeling I had when I received a call from the FBI. Being told that you are a target in a criminal investigation takes the breath right out of you. I was referred to Robert Malove through a mutual friend and was glad to have his representation through the entire process. With Robert’s guidance, we were able to navigate through a difficult process with a very tough prosecutor who gave no ground. While the other defendants received 4 and 12 year sentences, Robert was able to get me off with probation. Any other outcome would have destroyed my life. If you have any legal difficulties, call Robert Malove immediately. Thank you again Robert for your help and friendship.”