Internet sex crimes can range from having child pornography on your computer to distributing pornographic materials to soliciting a minor over the internet. No matter what the circumstances entail, if you are under investigation or have been arrested for these charges, it is important to understand what to do - and sometimes what not to do.
First and foremost, it is important to remember this: You are innocent until proven guilty. Evidence against you or even an arrest does not deny you the right to due process in a court of law. You also have the right to an attorney. You should not speak with police authorities, even if they execute a search warrant and seize your computer without an attorney present to represent you. If federal or state officials seize your computer you should immediately retain an attorney.
When you are arrested by law enforcement or brought in for questioning, it is vital to not speak to the authorities without an attorney present.
The consequences of internet sex crimes in state and federal courts are harsh and include long terms in prison as well as inclusion on the Sex Offender Registry. For this reason, it is important to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can defend you at trial or work to get a favorable plea agreement.
In internet sex offender cases, as with other types of criminal charges, several defense strategies can be used depending on the facts. Defense strategies include contesting: an illegal search and seizure of your computer or mobile devices, police entrapment during an undercover sting operation, computer data, and control of the computer by someone other than the defendant. Defending these serious crimes requires an attorney with experience, diligence, and a thorough defense investigation, whether the case is resolved by a trial or plea agreement.
