Seattle Sex Crimes Defense Attorney

Sexual Misconduct Investigations

When you first discover that you are being investigated for sexual misconduct it is critical that you react appropriately and that you do not hurt yourself in this process. We believe that a smart and proactive response to the investigation can often make a difference in whether charges are filed or not. Sometimes we recommend a specific issue polygraph examination to respond to an accusation. Other times we provide the investigating Detective or Agent with a written statement, and information about other witnesses that can help our client present their defense. And sometimes we recommend that our client’s talk to the investigating Detective.

While no suspect should ever talk to the police or any investigator alone and unprepared, at the Meryhew Law Group we do occasionally advise our clients to talk to the police. We make this recommendation only when there is a clear understanding as to why they are having this conversation. In other cases, we recommend our clients begin a psychosexual evaluation and eventually treatment before charges are filed. Every case demands a tailored, specific, and intelligent response at this early stage. At the Meryhew Law Group we are prepared to provide that representation, and the sooner you contact us the more we can help you.

Internet Crimes Against Children Defense

Internet Sex Crimes and specifically Internet Crimes Against Children are one of the fastest growing areas of prosecution in our practice. From stings to catch people who find themselves talking to a fictitious minor online, to child pornography (child sexual abuse images), sexting with minors, and sexual online communications with minors, the Internet has opened a whole new world of ways to get in trouble, and for the authorities to arrest and prosecute people. For many of our clients the Internet is a place for fantasy, escape, role-play, and anonymity, or at least that is what they think. But the truth is that everything you do on the Internet, including where you visit, what you see, what your download, and what you share with others in words and images, is easily available to law enforcement.

Fighting these charges can be difficult as the forensic evidence of what has happened is typically available to the authorities. Or at least is seems that way. But the truth is there are often defenses based on the way the police conducted their investigation, how they communicated, when they communicated, and what they said. Finding the flaws in the investigation and the evidence can be the key to significantly reduced charges. Sometimes the evidence of what happened is very clear and hard to dispute. In those cases, a strategy to mitigate the allegations, and to convince the Prosecutor that you are not the person they are afraid you might be, is the key to your defense. At the Meryhew Law Group we know how to prepare you for the evaluations you will need, how to find the best treatment providers, and how to help you put your best foot forward. The fact that our clients have committed these offenses does not mean we are not able to get them very good resolutions of these cases, and just because you are charged with one of these offenses does not mean you should give up. We know there is still plenty left to fight for and to achieve.

Defending Juveniles Accused of Sex Offenses

At the Meryhew Law Group we see a growing number of juveniles charged with sexual misconduct, and we have focused our representation on these youthful clients in recent years. Our juvenile clients are often charged with very serious offenses after being exposed to sexual behavior on their phones and by their friends and then seeking to try it out on younger children in their family or social sphere. For these young clients there is a path to treatment and probation, rather than incarceration, that can actually provide real benefits to the young person. The treatment programs that help young people with sexual behavior problems are remarkably effective and successful. We know that while children are impulsive and do not think through the consequences of their actions, they nonetheless respond very well in treatment.

Another growing segment of our caseload is young people accused of date rape or acquaintance rape. Prosecutors and law enforcement report to us that they too are seeing a large increase in these allegations. At the Meryhew Law Group we are experienced at fighting these charges when they should be fought, and resolving them favorably for our clients when they should be resolved. These are serious charges with the potential for life-changing consequences, and an aggressive, sensitive, and intelligent defense is required.

Defending Adults Accused of Sex Offenses

Defending adults accused of sexual misconduct is the bulk of our work at the Meryhew Law Group. From Date Rape to Child Molestation, from Voyeurism to Forcible Rape, from Prostitution to Indecent Exposure, the attorney at the Meryhew Law Group has extensive experience in bringing an aggressive defense to fight these allegations. An allegation of sexual misconduct can cost someone their employment, their family, their loved ones, and their home. At the Meryhew Law Group we pride ourselves on listening to our clients and to carefully interviewing them to be sure we know everything we need to know to give our clients the best defense. We believe our client’s often have amazing insights into how best to defense their case, and that too many attorneys do not take the time or show the interest to hear their clients out. Rest assured; you won’t have that problem at the Meryhew Law Group.

Consequences of Sex Offense Convictions

A person convicted of a sexual offense faces many consequences, and each of those requires some expertise to navigate. The one most people think of is sex offender registration. At the Meryhew Law Group our attorney helped write the laws that determine when and how a person can be relieved of the duty to register as a sex offender, and we have successfully brought many petitions to get our clients off of the registration rolls.

Another consequence of a conviction for a sex offense is often a period of community custody or probation, which can involve very difficult rules and restrictions to follow. When our clients are accused of violating those rules, we are there to do what we can to help them fight those accusations or find a solution to their problems. Our clients also facing consequences in their immigration status, their professional licenses, and restraining orders, to name a few of the many problems that can occur. Each of these issues is complex and requires expertise, and knowing who to consult, to ensure that our client’s right to live in this country, to work at their profession and to live their lives without unnecessary restrictions.

Contact a Seattle Sexual Assault Defense Attorney

At The Meryhew Law Group, we advocate for our clients AND we counsel our clients to insure they make informed decisions about their future. We fight these charges every day and we know that a strong advocate isn’t all you need. You need to understand what is happening. We want you to be educated and prepared, to understand how the law and the court system works, the defenses and options available to you, and what to expect at each phase of the case. We believe in always being direct and honest with our clients, and in making sure that they understand their options and the risks and benefits of the choices they must make.

Help From a Sex Crime Lawyer

If you have been accused of sexual misconduct of any kind, don’t make the mistake of waiting until charges are filed to begin working with an attorney. This can result in serious errors and missed opportunities. Even a short phone call with a Detective can cause you many problems; do not try to handle this by yourself. You need an experienced and aggressive sex crime lawyer who understands how the system works and how to defend you. At The Meryhew Law Group we will give your case the focused and effective attention it needs in cases such as:

• Juvenile Sex Crimes
• Child Molestation
• Date Rape/Acquaintance Rape
• Commercial Sex Abuse of a Minor
• Internet Sex Crimes against Children
• Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
• Child Pornography
• Statutory Rape
• Voyeurism
• Indecent Exposure
• Relief from the Duty to Register as a Sex Offender
• Psychosexual Evaluations
• And Other Sex Crimes

Our Seattle sex crimes defense lawyers represent clients on sexual crime allegations throughout the state of Washington including these cities listed:

• Seattle
• Bellevue
• Redmond
• Kent
• Tacoma
• Everett
• Marysville
• Port Orchard
• Bremerton
• Olympia
• Lacey
• Bellingham
• Mt. Vernon
• Anacortes

Contacting a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Seattle, Washington

If you are being investigated for a sex crime, or have been arrested for one, you need a sex crimes attorney who will vigorously defend your rights, and take the time to make sure you understand the process, the law, and how to navigate this difficult time in your life. Call 206-264-1590 or contact us online.