Sex crimes are investigated very thoroughly in Mecklenburg County. The nature of the investigation will depend on the facts and circumstances of each case and what type of crime is alleged. Sex crimes are a priority of Mecklenburg County law enforcement, and law enforcement will work in tandem with prosecutors to find evidence against alleged offenders.
Almost all sex crimes are felonies, and law enforcement will be consulted on any potential felony charge. Each law enforcement officer will make the determination as to how to proceed with the investigation, and then senior law enforcement officers will oversee and sometimes direct these investigations.
If you believe you are the subject of a Mecklenburg County sex crimes investigation, do not hesitate to contact a sex crimes attorney. Legal representation could be crucial to preserving your freedom.
Depending on the nature of the investigation, evidence in a sex crimes case will focus on specific images and witness testimony of those involved. Sometimes there will be physical evidence that might come from the work of a forensic exam conducted by a nurse following a sexual assault. Other times, such as in a child pornography case, digital images stored on a computer will be the most important pieces of evidence.
Law enforcement uses many tools and tactics to collect information on a case, the most common of these being interviews with potential witnesses or alleged victims. It may be beneficial to have an attorney on hand if you are interviewed by law enforcement, even if you do not believe you are the subject of an investigation.
Most frequently, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office will handle sex crimes investigations, although occasionally the Virginia State Police may be involved.
Almost always, investigations take place prior to arrests in a sex crimes case. There are, however, some circumstances in which the crime is reported instantly, and an arrest occurs almost immediately. The investigation, under those circumstances, would follow the arrest.
Investigations before arrests are the norm in most Mecklenburg County sex-crime cases because the nature of crime is usually such that it is not reported immediately afterward. A sexual assault survivor, for example, may not report their assault for days or weeks, due to fear, trauma, or any number of other variables. Therefore, an investigation usually takes place before arrest.
Mecklenburg County sex crime investigations involve very sensitive evidence, and individuals involved are typically in a very vulnerable position. There are important privacy implications to consider, and the evidence, depending on the nature of the crime, can be quite particular and detailed.
Also, sex crimes very often occur in intimate situations, meaning that the accused and the alleged victim were the only witnesses present. As such, it is imperative that a defendant hires an attorney as soon as possible. With legal counsel, the defendant can communicate openly with the attorney and provide them with the clearest version of the evidence related to the case.
If you believe that you are the subject of a sex crimes investigation, contact an attorney as soon as possible for legal representation.