KANSAS SEX CRIMES INVESTIGATION & CHARGES - TEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Panic and fear are what most people feel when they come into contact with Kansas law enforcement. Instead of immediately calling an attorney, many begin to Google their circumstances to find answers. This FAQs is intended to answer the ten most common questions (or things you should know) when under investigation for, or charged with, a sex crime:

1. Should you talk to police/investigators/sheriff? No. Not without representation. This includes giving statements to Child Protective Services investigators. Remember they don't need your statements to arrest you, and that is unlikely that you will talk your way out of the circumstances that brought them to you;
2. Should you give your phone, computer, gaming console, etc. if asked? Again, no. If they are asking they don't have a warrant and likely could not immediately get those items without your permission;
3. Should you turn yourself in, if you have a Kansas warrant? Depends. Hiring a Kansas sex crimes attorney will be beneficial because he/she can help you make a plan for how to handle this;
4. Should you assert your defenses to Kansas law enforcement? No. Many times those accused of crimes talk themselves into more trouble (or provide information law enforcement didn't already have). Let your attorney handle defending you;
5. Will you be able to see your kids again? Maybe. If the allegations against you don't resolve in your favor (especially where your charges involve acts against children/minors) you may be prevented from contact with your own children. Depending on a number of things it is also possible that you can regain contact, if it was restricted/prevented before;
6. Will this end up on your criminal record? Yes and no. If you are simply under investigation and no charges are later brought against you, then your interaction with the sex crimes unit will not be part of a criminal background check. However, if you are ultimately arrested, convicted, take a plea agreement or Diversion, these will be part of your criminal history;
7. How expensive will bond be? Kansas treats sex crimes nearly as seriously as homicide cases. That is not exaggeration. The bonds are oftentimes well over $20,000 and have been know to be $100,000 where the charges are multiple sex crimes/victims and/or with child victims;
8. What will your bond conditions be? This varies. It is possible that you will have everything from house arrest to daily reporting to probation. You will want to have an attorney present at your first appearance, if possible, because that is the best time to set/negotiate reasonable conditions;
9. What if you are charged but live outside of Kansas? First, if law enforcement finds out that you live outside of the state they will issue a warrant, and if your are found (which often happens during a traffic stop and is a surprise to you) Kansas will extradite (i.e. come pick you up from another state) and bring you into the state. You will be held without bond until you arrive in the charging county. Second, it is possible that Kansas sex crimes and the sex crimes unit for the state you are in will work together to investigate and/or ensure you are apprehended. Unless you have charges in both states you will want to hire a Kansas attorney; and
10. Should you use a Kansas public defender? Perhaps. If you are financially destitute or unable to afford private counsel the you should use them. It always best to be represented. Deciding to hire a private attorney, if you can afford it, will likely mean personalized attention to your case and easier access to counsel.

Bonus Tip: When in doubt ask an attorney before doing anything. You have rights that you may relinquish or waive if you don't assert those.

All allegations, investigation and criminal charges are serious. Never doubt that. Kansas sex crimes are considered some of the most serious. If you have questions about your specific circumstances don't  hesitate to call for your free consultation (913) 602-7288. Payment plans are available.