ALLEGED CHILD SEX CRIMES: HELPING THE JURY SEE FACT OVER EMOTION
When defending those who are falsely accused of sexual assault, molestation, or child sex crimes, it is imperative to establish the facts of the case. Yet, even when faced with the facts, a jury may be swayed by their emotions, typically triggered by the prosecution.
Legitimate crimes against children are very serious. Those who willingly, knowingly commit such crimes need to be held accountable, whether by means of psychological counseling or, if they truly had evil intent, criminal conviction. However, many people who are on trial for sex crimes are falsely accused, and their lives are destroyed by their accusers and prosecution.
If you are in need of legal representation in this type of situation, call my firm today. I proudly serve clients throughout the counties of Maricopa, Santa Cruz, Cochise, and Pima in Arizona.
How the Prosecution Can Win a Child Sex Crimes Case
When an attorney lacks the evidence to convict a defendant or does not have all the facts of the case, they may try to win over a jury with an emotional appeal. This type of legal strategy is dangerous but can also be very powerful. After all, when a child or parent is emotional, it becomes difficult to refute their claims.
The prosecution knows how to exploit these emotions and convince a jury that an innocent man or woman is indeed guilty. However, what juries do not realize is how a child sex crimes case can destroy a person’s future for life and hurt their family in the process. Using emotion as a weapon to convict a defendant of a horrendous sex crime is not only misleading but also unethical and hurtful.
How My Firm Combats Child Sex Crime Accusations
When I first meet with a client who has been accused of a sex crime, I listen to their story and try to understand the basis of the accusation. From there, I go to work to investigate the accusation and look for the facts. I address issues such as:
The Circumstances of the Child’s Life
Children can often react to stressful situations like strained parental relationships, divorce, or financial problems in different ways than adults. If the child’s stress is due to circumstances, they may lash out at parents and accuse them of molestation or sexual abuse.
The Influence of a Parent
Parents can influence a child to turn on another parent simply by lying or creating an image of the other parent that doesn’t exist in reality. They may try to use different tactics to get the children to take sides in a custody battle or to retain certain assets after a divorce.
Other Factors in a Child’s Testimony
Children may accuse parents or other adults of child sex crimes for other reasons such as:
Avoiding punishment
Seeking approval
Trying to get a reward
Avoiding embarrassment
Getting revenge
These are all factors that my law firm looks at when weighing a child’s accusation or testimony. My goal is not to hurt or incriminate the child. Instead, I seek to establish my client’s innocence.
Persuading the Jury with Fact — Not Emotion
In Arizona, child sex crime charges that involve molestation, abuse, or sexual assault generally come with enough factual evidence that you can build a strong defense for your case — that is, as long as your criminal defense attorney knows where to look for it and how to use it. My approach is to investigate the case thoroughly to uncover the evidence and identify the facts. I may use evidence such as:
Eyewitness accounts
Phone records
Other documented evidence
Expert testimony
Private investigator reports
Police reports
In addition, I spend a great deal of time reconstructing the alleged event, looking for clues at the scene, and questioning as many people as possible. This is why it is important that those accused of such a crime seek legal consultation and representation from an experienced sex crimes defense attorney.
Get Help from a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney in Tucson, Arizona Today
If you have been falsely accused of a sex crime against a child, I can help. I have successfully defended hundreds of clients for all types of crimes. To find out more about your legal rights, call the Law Offices of Richard L. Lougee and schedule a free consultation. My firm also serves Maricopa County, Santa Cruz County, Cochise County, and neighboring areas of Arizona.