https://www.teakelllaw.com/videos/what-should-i-do-if-i-am-arrested-and-charged-with-statutory-rape/
If you’re charged, then I would do basically the same as if you were arrested and questioned. Rather than submit to an interview with a detective or an agent or some police officer, politely decline and tell them that you are in the process of obtaining an attorney if you do not have one already. Through your attorney, determine what the charges are against you and if you’re arraigned then you’ll be informed of what the charges are against you.
Once you bond out, make arrangements to meet with your attorney. Determine exactly what the allegations are and start preparing for your defense and your own investigation so you can present these things to the prosecutor’s office in an attempt to dissuade prosecution or at least limit the charges or the consequences of the charges that are against you.
What Are the Potential Penalties Involved?
In Texas, the punishment for violations of these laws run from between 2 to 20 years, plus the requirement that you register as a sex offender. The penalties vary by state.
How Should I Choose an Attorney?
You should choose an attorney based on six criteria: the experience they bring to the table, their reputation in the legal field; their track record; the advantages they have to offer you for the money you are paying them; how dedicated they are to fighting for the best possible outcome; and how comfortable you feel with them. Ideally you would want to choose an attorney who has experience both as a former prosecutor so that they know the strategies and the time frames that the other side operates under, someone who can work in both federal and state courts so they can represent you regardless of where your case ends up being tried, someone who has a proven track record of success in cases like yours, and someone who can offer you more than just an attorney. You want someone who will go to the mat and fight for your case.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late!
If you wait until you’ve already been charged you are likely to miss opportunities to reduce the charges or even get them dropped altogether. You’ll also have missed opportunities to negotiate and get reduced sentencing. Finally, the longer you wait the more difficult and costly it can be to get the evidence and build the defense that will allow you to have the best possible outcome.
