5 Things You Shouldn't Do After Being Charged with a Sex Crime
Sept. 9, 2025
Facing sex crimes charges is overwhelming, and the stakes are incredibly high. Your immediate actions can significantly influence your case’s direction and eventual outcome. It’s crucial to remain calm and avoid making choices that could unintentionally worsen your situation.
At the Law Offices of Allen C. Foster, PLLC, I encourage clients to focus strictly on the facts, avoid assumptions, and act thoughtfully throughout the process. Rushing to explain yourself or reacting emotionally may backfire and damage your defense. Taking measured, informed steps early on can help protect your rights, preserve your future, and reduce unnecessary stress.
Don’t Contact the Alleged Victim or Witnesses
One of the most serious missteps after being charged with sex crimes is attempting to reach out to the alleged victim or anyone involved in the case. Even if your goal is to apologize or explain your side, this type of contact can be gravely misinterpreted and cause additional legal problems. Contacting witnesses or accusers, directly or indirectly, can be seen as:
Intimidation
Harassment
Witness tampering
A violation of bond or release conditions
Even casual communication through social media, text messages, phone calls, or mutual acquaintances can be damaging. Such interactions can lead to new charges or influence the court’s perception of your behavior. It's critically important to stay away from anyone involved in the case and allow your attorney to handle all communications. This helps maintain a clear boundary and prevents misunderstandings.
Don’t Post About the Case Online
In today’s online lifestyle, it’s natural to want to speak out or defend yourself publicly. However, when it comes to sex crimes charges, saying anything online, no matter how small or seemingly innocent, can be a significant mistake. Anything you post can potentially be used against you in court. Prosecutors may scrutinize:
Social media posts
Comments under other people’s posts
Private messages
Photos or memes related to the case
Even deleting posts after being charged can raise suspicions or be seen as an attempt to destroy evidence. Avoid all forms of social media while your case is active. Staying silent online helps prevent misinterpretation and keeps the focus on your legal defense rather than distractions.
Don’t Ignore Court Orders or Conditions of Release
After being charged, you may be released from custody with specific conditions that must be strictly followed. These often include no-contact orders, travel restrictions, or requirements to report regularly to pretrial services or a probation officer. Violating these conditions can lead to:
Arrest
Bond revocation
New criminal charges
Additional challenges in court
Some people believe a minor violation won’t be noticed, but even a small breach can quickly escalate into more serious consequences. Following court instructions exactly as given helps demonstrate responsibility and respect for the legal process, which can positively influence how your case is handled.
Don’t Talk to Law Enforcement Without a Lawyer
Police or investigators may contact you after you’ve been charged, asking to hear your side of the story. You might think speaking with them will clear up confusion or help your case, but this usually does more harm than good. Speaking to law enforcement without legal representation may:
Strengthen the prosecution’s case against you
This leads to contradictions in your statements
It can be used to damage your credibility in court
Result in new charges based on what you say
Even honest and straightforward answers can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or twisted. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak only through your lawyer.
It's crucial to use both rights to protect yourself. If officers or investigators reach out, calmly inform them that your attorney will respond on your behalf. Then notify your attorney immediately so they can manage the situation appropriately.
Don’t Try to Handle the Case Alone
Sex crimes charges carry serious penalties, including jail or prison time, permanent criminal records, and mandatory sex offender registration. These cases are rarely straightforward, and trying to face them without legal help can lead to long-term consequences that affect your life permanently.
Without a criminal defense attorney, you risk:
Missing critical deadlines for motions or filings
Failing to challenge weak or improper evidence
Misinterpreting the charges or potential penalties
Agreeing to plea deals that may not be in your interest
Working with a lawyer ensures you have someone who understands how to thoroughly examine the case, evaluate your options, and fight for your rights at every stage. At the Law Offices of Allen C. Foster, PLLC, I provide compassionate support and skilled legal guidance to individuals facing sex crimes charges. Having someone on your side early in the process can make a meaningful and sometimes decisive difference.
What You Should Do Instead
Avoiding mistakes is only part of the process. There are also a number of proactive steps that can help you during a sex crimes case. Helpful actions include:
Hiring a defense attorney immediately after being charged
Keeping detailed records of events, conversations, or digital exchanges that relate to your case
Following all court instructions without exception to demonstrate responsibility
Avoiding all contact with potential witnesses or anyone involved in the case
Limiting what you say about the case strictly to your attorney only
These steps help build a strong, effective defense and avoid further complications or misunderstandings that can jeopardize your case.
Why Early Decisions Matter
Sex crimes convictions can lead to serious and long-lasting outcomes. In addition to possible incarceration, consequences may include:
Mandatory sex offender registration can affect housing, employment, and social relationships
Loss of employment opportunities due to criminal background checks
Restrictions on where you can live, work, or travel
Harm to relationships with family, friends, and your community
Once charged, your response can profoundly shape the course of the case. Small missteps early on can make it harder to secure a fair outcome. Legal help, early action, and careful behavior can all improve your chances of a positive resolution and help protect your future.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
A qualified attorney can help in many ways. They can review the evidence against you, determine whether proper procedures were followed by law enforcement, and identify potential defenses tailored to your situation. They also assist you with what to say or not say to investigators or the court.
Your lawyer may:
File motions to suppress illegally obtained or unreliable evidence
Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
Prepare your case thoroughly for trial, if necessary
Help you understand what to expect at every stage, reducing stress and uncertainty
Legal representation also protects you from actions that could unintentionally damage your defense. Even minor legal missteps can affect your case, so having someone who knows how to respond is key.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
The time to act is immediately after charges are filed. Waiting too long can limit your legal options, cause you to miss important deadlines, or weaken your defense.
Act quickly if:
You’ve been arrested or formally charged
Law enforcement has contacted you for questioning
You’ve received any court notices or documents
You’re unsure how to respond to the situation
Even if your case hasn’t reached trial, it’s never too early to get legal advice.
Dedicated Legal Support
If you’re facing charges related to sex crimes in North Carolina, speak with someone who can help protect your rights and explore your options. Contact me, Allen C. Foster, to schedule a consultation. My firm proudly serves clients in Kinston as well as throughout Eastern North Carolina.