Sexual Abuse Attorney in Westchester County

What to Do After an Allegation

Once an accusation is made, every step you take can have consequences. Many people feel the urge to explain their side of the story to police, the accuser, or friends and family. Without legal guidance, those conversations can be misunderstood or later used in ways you don’t expect.

Don’t contact the accuser directly, especially if there is any possibility of an order of protection. Attempts to resolve things on your own can be misinterpreted or may violate a court order. You should also avoid deleting text messages, emails, or social media posts that could be relevant because those materials may become important evidence.

Helpful first steps after an allegation include:

• Avoid talking about the details of the case with anyone except your attorney.
• Don’t agree to police interviews or written statements without legal counsel.
• Preserve potential evidence, such as messages, photos, or travel records, without altering them.
• Write down what you remember about key dates, locations, and possible witnesses while events are still fresh.
• Contact our firm promptly so we can review the situation, advise you, and begin communicating with authorities on your behalf.

When you reach out to us, we start with a confidential, no-cost consultation to understand what has happened and discuss your options. Our attorneys then develop a plan based on the facts of your case and your long-term goals.

How Sexual Abuse Cases Proceed in Westchester County

Sexual abuse allegations can arise from a police investigation, a complaint to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, or reports through schools, medical providers, or Child Protective Services.

If charges are brought, the process may begin in a local court, such as White Plains City Court, Yonkers City Court, Greenburgh Town Court, or another Town or Village Court, depending on where the incident allegedly occurred. A local court can conduct an arraignment in a felony case, while Westchester County Court can handle a felony prosecution after indictment. The path depends on the charges and procedural posture, and our attorneys are familiar with how these courts operate in practice.

The stages of a criminal case often include arraignment, pretrial conferences, motions, and possible hearings, followed by plea negotiations or trial if the case isn’t resolved earlier. Throughout this process, the District Attorney’s Office evaluates evidence, speaks with complainants and witnesses, and decides how to proceed. We analyze the state’s evidence, examine police conduct, identify potential weaknesses, and assess whether constitutional protections were violated.

Because of our background in both criminal defense and family law, we also examine how a criminal allegation may intersect with custody, visitation, or order-of-protection proceedings in Westchester Family Court. We advise clients about how a decision in one proceeding may affect another.

Our sexual abuse lawyers serve Westchester County residents with knowledge of local courts and procedures. We explain what to expect at each stage and prepare you for court appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk to Police Before I Have a Lawyer?

You should seek legal advice before agreeing to a police interview or providing a written statement. Even if you haven’t been arrested or charged, what you say during an investigation may affect charging and defense decisions later.

Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender If I Am Convicted?

Sex offender registration in New York depends on the specific charge and outcome of the case. Some offenses require registration, while others don’t. We explain how the potential charges in your case relate to registration and factor that information into our strategy when discussing your options.

How Can Your Former Prosecutors Help in a Sexual Abuse Case?

Former prosecutors on our team understand how the District Attorney’s Office reviews evidence, prepares witnesses, and decides which charges to pursue. This insight helps us anticipate how the state might build its case and identify areas for challenge. We use that perspective when developing and presenting your defense.

Will My Consultation with Your Firm Be Confidential?

Yes. Your consultation is confidential within the limits of applicable law and the attorney-client relationship. You can speak openly with us about what is happening so we can give advice based on your circumstances, whether or not you decide to hire us.

Can These Allegations Affect My Custody or Divorce Case?

Yes. Sexual abuse allegations may affect custody, visitation, orders of protection, divorce proceedings, or other family-law issues. Because we handle criminal defense and family law, we can assess how the proceedings may interact and advise you before you make decisions in either case.

Talk to Our Defense Lawyers Today

Facing sexual abuse allegations is frightening, and trying to handle the situation on your own can increase the risks. You deserve criminal defense lawyers who can listen carefully, explain your options, and protect your rights throughout the process.

At Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, we bring together more than 100 years of combined experience, former prosecutors, recognized attorneys, and a local presence in White Plains and Cortlandt Manor. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss the investigation, charge, order of protection, or related family-law concern and identify your next steps.

Reach out or call (914) 840-5104 to discuss your situation with our defense team.