YOU'RE UNDER SEX CRIME INVESTIGATION IN KANSAS. NOW WHAT?

Arrest is never the first step in a sex crime in Kansas. Rather, sex crimes investigations can take weeks, months or even years before you are arrested. Here is what you should know about Kansas sex crimes investigations:

1. Not all sex crime investigations are created equal. Depending on the allegations against you (ex. rape, crimes against minors, child pornography, etc.) Kansas law enforcement may be watching you (ex. your internet searches, chats, etc.) and/or they may have been contacted by an alleged victim. This will launch an investigation;
2. In any case, the next step will be gathering evidence against you. In some instances you will be immediately contacted for a statement. In other cases they will be setting their sights on tying you to the alleged sex crime. This can be sting operations, physical evidence, DNA, text messages, victim statements ("trauma informed investigation"), witness statements, etc.;
3. Developing a timeline of events. Besides searching for evidence against you, Kansas law enforcement will be taking active steps to ensure that they can link you to the crime and the details surrounding it. Timelines are important to sex crime cases, and work to diminish some of your possible defenses (ex. alibi). Sometimes this will unveil multi-count criminal charges;
4. Determine if you have a grooming, premeditation or modus operandi (m.o.). Kansas sex crimes investigators are specifically trained in this area. They will be working hard to determine what makes you tick, what habits you may have, what are your target victims, how do you find those you commit crimes against, etc.. Understand that they are not looking for what proves your innocence. Instead they are looking for what supports their case. This too can help them uncover other bad acts or possible victims;
5. Secure and execute a search warrant. They may ask you for evidence; however, it is more likely that if the police need additional evidence against you they will request a search warrant. This may allow them to come to your job, family's home, your home, college dorms, school, etc. to search and collect evidence against you. Many have had their phones, computers, tablets, cameras, video game consoles, work equipment, etc. taken. They may also be looking for more obscure evidence (ex. clothing, drugs, DNA swabs, etc.). Search warrants can also allow investigators to demand things outside of your immediate control, to include: credit card statements, chat room conversations, deleted conversations/data, security tapes, car rental history, etc.. You will not be notified of the impending search so that you cannot destroy evidence; and
6. Warrant for your arrest. At any time, if Kansas law enforcement has enough probable cause to support that you committed an unlawful sex act you can be arrested. Regularly it is by way of a warrant being issued for your arrest. Like the search warrant, Kansas law enforcement can come anytime and anywhere. This will start the criminal court process related to the charges against you.  Many are surprised by their arrest. You will be notified of your formal charges during the first appearance. Most sex crimes are charged as felonies and bond is frequently high. 

Tips: If you have landed on this blog you likely know, or have suspicion, that you are under investigation. First of all, don't ignore that. Get a sex crimes defense attorney NOW. Second of all, refuse to give statements or possessions. Finally, don't talk about this with anyone but an attorney.

One more thing. If the allegations are surrounding your child(ren), you have or work with children, a separate, but simultaneous, abuse investigation will occur involving Kansas Child Protective Services (DCF). Anything you say or do in those cases will be cross-shared with Kansas police. 

Sex crimes are aggressively prosecuted in Kansas, and have lengthy prison and public offender registration time attached (ex. Jessica's Law and off-grid felony). Click HERE to see the sex crimes sentencing grid and to find out more about your specific circumstances. You do have defense and it is possible to avoid being charged with a sex crime. Call Attorney T. Morton today for your free consultation (913) 602-7288. Payment plans are available.