Because of the social stigma attached to sex crimes, those accused of these crimes are looked upon with a certain disgrace that does not accompany other crimes, even though they may be much more brutal and violent. For adults that are charged with sex crimes, the common notion is to lock them away so that the public will be safe.
But what about children and young adults charged with sex crimes?
In these situations, the importance of an experienced criminal defense attorney cannot be overstated. Not only is the accused in this situation much more impressionable and afraid of what is going to happen, they need someone who can clearly explain the gravity of the situation, have the patience to answer questions and work diligently to protect the accused’s rights.
For instance, it may take a great deal of time to gain a child’s trust; especially if they have gone through some traumatic experiences in life that led to their current situation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can thoroughly investigate the case, analyze all relevant facts, and advise the accused of all possible defenses.
Moreover, it is increasingly common with sex crimes that young defendants are being tried as adults. This could result in a young person being subjected to a long prison sentence that he would not face if he were tried as a juvenile. It is critical for a skilled criminal defense attorney to articulate reasons why a juvenile should not be transferred to criminal court to be prosecuted as an adult.
If you have questions about how a young person may be treated in the criminal justice system, an experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you.