You never thought you'd be in this position.
But now, someone has accused you, or you've been told they might. And your mind is racing: Will I be arrested? What do I say? Who do I call? (Spoiler alert: Not Ghostbusters)
Every year, countless Californians find themselves blindsided by sex crime accusations. Some are the result of misunderstandings. Others come from manipulative lies or pressure from outside parties.
Regardless, a single accusation can destroy your reputation, your relationships, your job, and your future.
At Innocence Legal Team, we've helped hundreds of people in your exact position, and the truth is this: what you do in the next 72 hours can determine everything that happens next.
In this post, we'll walk you through:
You don't need to be arrested or charged for your life to change.
In sex crime cases, accusations are often treated as fact by law enforcement, the media, and even your own community.
Even if you're innocent, a single misstep could lead to arrest, criminal charges, and irreversible damage to your personal and professional life.
People start looking at you differently. You may face sudden loss of job opportunities, promotion chances, friendships, and even family relationships—all before a single day in court.
Police may call or show up "just wanting to ask a few questions."
This is a tactic used by law enforcement to talk to you without a lawyer present, often presented as "a way to help yourself" or for you to "help clear things up." You are not legally required to answer, and doing so without a lawyer can be catastrophic, as you may incriminate yourself even though you're innocent.
Even innocent people accidentally incriminate themselves under pressure. A nervous explanation, a misremembered detail, or a statement taken out of context can become the foundation of a case against you.
Attempting to clear things up directly can be interpreted as intimidation, harassment, or obstruction. Any communication can be misrepresented or used as evidence against you. The only person you should really be talking with about the case is your lawyer.
You may have the immediate urge to delete things that feel incriminating. Don't. Screenshots, messages, photos, and location data may become critical later. It's best to keep everything so your attorney can understand the full picture of the situation.
Do not provide your phone or any other devices to the police without consulting your attorney first. Let your attorney evaluate what helps and hurts your case.
Many people wait until they've been arrested to call a lawyer, but that's a mistake. The pre-file stage, when a report has been made but charges haven't been filed, is the best opportunity to shape the outcome.
A proactive attorney can:
Speed in finding legal representation specializing in sex crime defense during pre-file can make the difference between your case becoming public or being resolved in your favor before it makes it into the public eye.
Innocence Legal Team focuses exclusively on sex crime defense in California.
Our FactPower™ system is designed to surface critical evidence and inconsistencies early. We go further by gathering:
We work with private investigators, forensic experts, and sychological professionals, going on offense the moment you call.
Waiting to act can result in:
Hiring a general criminal defense attorney may mean:
Bottom line: This is not the time for delay or guesswork. The wrong decision now could follow you forever.
The path forward may seem uncertain right now, but with proper legal guidance, many sexual assault accusations can be resolved before they permanently alter your life.
If you've been accused, or fear you will be, don't wait to "see what happens." This passive approach almost always leads to worse outcomes. Sexual assault allegations don't simply go away on their own—they require active, strategic intervention by professionals who understand the unique challenges these cases present.
Accused of sexual assault in California? Don't wait. Start building your defense today. Request a Confidential Consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future. The sooner we can begin working on your case, the more options we'll have to resolve it favorably.