What to Do If My Child Is Accused of a Sex Crime?

Law Office of Katie Walsh

As a parent, one of the most devastating situations you can face is the accusation that your child has committed a sex crime. This is an incredibly complex issue that requires careful consideration and appropriate action. In this blog post, we will provide you with guidance on what steps to take if your child is accused of a sex crime in Orange County.

  1. Speak to a Juvenile Defense Attorney Immediately

The first and most important step you should take is to consult with an experienced Orange County juvenile defense lawyer. Time is of the essence in these cases, and having a skilled attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, protect your child’s rights, and work towards the best possible outcome.

  1. Stay Calm and Supportive

In these challenging times, it’s crucial to maintain a calm and supportive demeanor towards your child. Remember, your child is innocent until proven guilty. Don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Show your child love, understanding, and support while he or she navigates this difficult situation. Being empathetic and compassionate can help them cope with the stress and uncertainty they may be feeling.

  1. Understand the Seriousness of the Situation

Sex crime allegations are taken very seriously by law enforcement and the legal system. Educate yourself about the potential consequences and long-term implications of these accusations for your child’s future. Convictions for sex crimes can have severe legal, social, and emotional consequences, including registration as a sex offender. Approach the situation with the utmost seriousness.

  1. Cooperate with Police But Consult Your Lawyer First

Cooperate with law enforcement but remember that your child has the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Before your child talks to the police or provides any statements, consult with your juvenile defense lawyer first. We will guide your child through the interaction with law enforcement, ensuring their rights are protected and that they do not inadvertently incriminate themselves.

  1. Gather Evidence to Support Your Child’s Defense

Together with your attorney, gather any evidence that can support your child’s defense. This may include text messages, emails, photographs, security camera footage, or any other relevant documentation. Additionally, your lawyer can help you identify potential witnesses to provide testimony on behalf of your child. The more evidence you can present to challenge the accusations, the stronger your child’s defense will be.

  1. Be Prepared for Court

If your child is formally charged, they will most likely go through the court process. This can be a lengthy and emotionally challenging experience. Your attorney will guide you and your child through each step of the process, from arraignment to trial or negotiation. Keep in mind that plea bargains are possible in juvenile court.

Reach Out to an Orange County Juvenile Defense Lawyer Now

The Law Office of Katie Walsh understands the challenges of juvenile sexual assault cases and is committed to protecting your child’s rights and future. If you need an Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, contact us now to schedule a free case review and legal consultation.

Topics

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though...

XL, juvenile client
View More
Submit a Law Firm Client Review

Contact Us Now

Free Consultation (714) 351-0178