Recently, a popular water polo coach in Orange County was convicted on 22 counts of sexually assaulting teenage girls.
According to Yahoo! News, the sexual assault charges involved roughly a dozen women who claim the coach sexually assaulted them when they were teenagers. The charges that the coach was convicted of include sexual penetration, sexual battery, and lewd acts on a minor. Sentencing for the charges hadn’t yet taken place at the time of this report.
What to Do if You’re Charged with Sexual Assault in California
If you have been charged with sexual assault, it is important to understand the gravity of the situation and take appropriate steps to protect your legal rights. In this blog post, we will discuss what you should do if you are facing sexual assault charges. We will cover everything from choosing an experienced criminal defense attorney to preparing for your day in court. By following these guidelines, you can give yourself the best chance at a favorable outcome in your case:
- If you are charged with sexual assault, the first thing you should do is contact a criminal defense lawyer. In the event of being accused of sexual assault, it is imperative to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer will be able to effectively handle the case and understand the complexities of the legal system. The lawyer will be able to explain any pertinent information regarding the charges, answer your questions, and provide you with assistance throughout the process while advocating for your best interests. It is important to thoroughly research lawyers, as choosing a knowledgeable and assertive attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
- You should avoid talking to anyone about the incident, as anything you say can be used against you in court. Making sure that any relevant information about a situation is reliable and legally sound is of utmost importance, particularly when it may be used as evidence in court. Therefore, discussing the details of a particular incident with anyone should be avoided, because the statements you share could later be used against you. Most conversations have no confidentiality or privacy guarantee. To protect yourself and ensure that your rights are upheld, it is advisable to avoid talks regarding the incident with anyone outside of legal proceedings.
- It is important to gather any evidence that may be helpful to your case, such as witnesses or CCTV footage. Building as strong a case as possible is essential for anyone hoping to get the best outcome from a court of law. One of the best ways to support your argument is by gathering evidence that supports what you are saying. This can include witnesses, CCTV footage, or any other relevant information. Even if it has not been requested by the court, providing evidence that backs up your stance on a matter can be convincing and could mean the difference between winning and losing your case. Taking the time to ensure that you have appropriate evidence is therefore highly recommended.
- You should also be prepared to face a possible trial, which could take months or even years to resolve. While no one ever wants to go to trial, it should be taken seriously when it is a possibility. It can take a considerable investment in time and resources since the proceedings could potentially stretch out over months or years. That's why it is important to be equipped with an experienced legal team that can properly prepare you for the possible eventuality of a trial. This can help ensure that both sides are represented fairly, and any claims or defenses are as complete as possible. Though no one ever wants to have to go through a long process like this, being prepared makes all the difference.
To learn more about what to do if you’re charged with sexual assault in California, or to speak with our experienced sexual assault defense lawyer in Fresno, call The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch at (559) 484-2112 or reach out to us online today.
