Sex crime allegations in Oakland are generally investigated by the Oakland Police Department (OPD), including its Special Victims Unit, while the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office handles criminal prosecution. OPD states that its Special Victims Unit investigates sexual assault and child abuse cases.
If police or DA investigators contact you about a sex crime allegation, you do not need to wait until charges are filed to speak with a defense attorney. Getting an attorney involved before giving a statement can be especially important because what you say during an investigation may become part of the evidence in the case.
Attorney Nabiel C. Ahmed has nearly 20 years of criminal defense experience representing people facing serious charges in the Bay Area. He can become involved during a sex crime investigation and advise you before you decide whether to give a statement to law enforcement.
Who Investigates Sex Crimes in Oakland?
The Oakland Police Department’s Special Victims Unit investigates sexual assault and child abuse cases. Other OPD units may also be involved, depending on the allegations. For example, OPD identifies a separate unit that investigates child exploitation and internet crimes against children.
If investigators believe there is evidence supporting criminal charges, the matter may be presented to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office decides whether to file criminal charges and prosecutes cases filed in Alameda County.
What Happens After a Sex Crime Investigation Begins?
An investigation can begin before the person accused has been arrested or formally charged. Police may gather information and evidence related to the allegation and conduct a follow-up investigation.
For the person being investigated, contact from law enforcement is significant even if an investigator says they only want to ask questions. An investigation can eventually be presented to prosecutors for a charging decision.
This is also why the investigation stage should not be treated as insignificant simply because no charges have been filed.
When Should You Contact a Defense Attorney During a Sex Crime Investigation?
You can contact a defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are being investigated. You do not have to wait for an arrest, criminal complaint, or court date.
In particular, speaking with an attorney before giving a statement allows you to get legal advice before responding to questions about the allegations. A sex crimes lawyer can also begin examining the allegations and available information while the investigation is still pending.
Early representation may be especially important when police have requested an interview, asked you to come to the station, or contacted you about an accusation.
How Can an Oakland Sex Crimes Lawyer Help Before Charges Are Filed?
A criminal defense lawyer can become involved while an investigation is still open. Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may:
- Communicate with investigators on the client’s behalf
- Advise the client about requests for an interview
- Review available evidence and allegations
- Preserve information that may be relevant to the defense
- Address legal issues that arise before a charging decision
Pre-charge representation does not mean that charges will or will not be filed. It provides the person under investigation with legal representation at a stage when important decisions may already be underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Know if You Are Under Investigation for a Sex Crime?
You may learn about an investigation when police or another investigator contacts you, requests an interview, or asks questions about an allegation. In other situations, you may learn about it through another person or through other circumstances connected to the investigation.
Can a Sex Crime Investigation Begin Without an Arrest?
Yes. An arrest is not required for an investigation to begin. Law enforcement can investigate an allegation before deciding whether an arrest is warranted, or a prosecutor can decide whether criminal charges should be filed.
How Long Can a Sex Crime Investigation Take in Oakland?
There is no single investigation period that applies to every sex crime allegation. The timeline can depend on the allegations, available evidence, and other circumstances. An investigation may remain open while law enforcement gathers and evaluates information.
What Happens if the Alameda County District Attorney Decides to File Charges?
If the District Attorney’s Office files criminal charges, the case moves into the court process. The specific procedure depends on the charges and circumstances involved. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office publicly reports filing felony charges in sexual assault cases investigated within the county.
Contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed To Schedule a Confidential Consultation With an Oakland Sex Crimes Attorney
Being investigated for a sex crime in Oakland, California, can carry serious consequences even before formal charges are filed. Decisions made during this stage, including whether to speak with investigators, can affect how the case develops.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed focuses exclusively on criminal defense, and Attorney Nabiel C. Ahmed personally handles his clients’ cases. If you have been contacted about a sex crime allegation or believe you are under investigation, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with an Oakland sex crimes lawyer.
We have convenient locations in Oakland and San Ramon, California.
Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed – Oakland
1305 Franklin St #411, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 271-0010
We are available 24/7
Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed – San Ramon
2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd #206, San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 725-4003
We are available 24/7
