According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Such data makes for a grim yet accurate look at the nature of society. However, with increasing awareness, strict state and federal laws aim to curb the vice. 

So, if you are being investigated or prosecuted for a sexual offense, you may have many questions about what will come next. You may also be curious about the potential for the Dark Web to offer assistance or solutions. 

After reading this article, you’ll understand what the Dark Web is, how it can be utilized in sex crime investigations, and the potential implications if you access it.

What is the Dark Web?

As the name suggests, the ‘Dark Web’ is a hidden portion of the internet that’s hard to track down and not easily accessible. It’s primarily used to acquire or sell illegal goods and services. 

While, in some sense, it operates as the regular web, it has some key differentiators. To begin with, it’s not indexed by Google and other search engines, so you cannot access it using them. As a result, you can only access it using specialized software or a specific setup. Because of this, it is considerably more challenging for law enforcement to investigate unlawful conduct that is taking place in that location.

The Role of the Dark Web in Sexual Offense Investigations

Regrettably, the Dark Web is also a popular destination for those who wish to see child pornography or engage in other forms of sexually-oriented criminal activity. On the Dark Web, users can buy child pornography and communicate with minors about sexual encounters. 

Many believe they won’t be found out for engaging in these behaviors because it can be challenging to track their whereabouts. On the other hand, law enforcement is actively monitoring the Dark Web for unlawful activity, and people who engage in sex crimes on the Dark Web may be subject to legal action.

The Dangers of Using the Dark Web

As mentioned, the Dark Web is the online harbor for individuals engaging in illegal activities such as child pornography and other sex crimes. While it’s largely more challenging to track, law enforcement is on the hunt for such offenders.

As such, it’s an extremely high-risk maneuver to commit sexual offenses while using the dark web. If you’re found guilty, you face severe penalties, including serving time in jail, significant fines, and a criminal record that may follow you for the rest of your life. 

Even if you haven’t used the Dark Web to commit a sexual offense, it makes you look suspicious in the eyes of law police. The evidence they collect may be used against you in court if they discover you have been using the dark web.

What You Should Do If You Discover That You Have Access to the Dark Web

Facing sexual offense charges is never good, and it becomes more challenging if you’ve been using the Dark Web. To protect your legal rights under such circumstances, follow the steps below;

1. Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney

First and foremost, call a sex crime defense counsel. Your lawyer can represent you throughout the legal process. They can explain your charges, create a solid defense, and bargain with prosecutors.

Some of the benefits you’ll get from hiring a criminal defense attorney include the following:

• Legal Knowledge- An attorney has a firm grasp of the law and will explain your charges to you, build a solid case, and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. 
• Rights Protection- A criminal defense lawyer will use their knowledge and experience to defend your rights.
• Resource Access- Criminal defense attorneys have access to several valuable resources that will be invaluable in the case. They can hire detectives, expert witnesses, and others to develop a solid defense.
• Empathy- While everyone else may judge you before you’re found guilty, your lawyer will offer you the necessary support to alleviate your stress. 

2. Never Mention Your Case

While it may be tempting to try and exonerate yourself in the eyes of public opinion, it will likely work against you. So, whether it’s online strangers, colleagues, friends, or family, only discuss matters about the case or incident with your attorney. 

3. Don’t Deal With the Police Without Your Attorney

Never cooperate with the police nor sign off on any document that they bring provide for your signature Regardless, if it’s a photograph or an image, or any type of video evidence – never admit that you have received, looked at, and/or forwarded any type of illegal material. 

The officers will attempt to scare you into cooperating with them by threatening that you will spend the rest of your life in the penitentiary. The officers just want to finalize the case and move it to the district attorney. Therefore, your cooperation could be detrimental. 

NEVER speak to any law enforcement officer, nor agree to any interview because you can never win. Some of the interviews with officers will last more than several hours and regardless of what you say or how you attempt to defend yourself; everyone makes a statement against interest. Therefore refuse all questioning just provide your name and contact Starr Law, PC immediately – your freedom could be at stake.

4. Tell Your Lawyer About the Dark Web

If you use or have ever used the Dark Web, even if it’s not to access any sexual content, that activity can and will likely be used against you. Instead of waiting for law enforcement to ambush your attorney with this information, tell them early on.

Explain when and why you accessed the Dark Web. This will allow your lawyer to prepare a defense beforehand. Moreover, considering it’s their job to protect you, follow their counsel. At times this may involve avoiding some activities or people.

Conclusion

Being accused of sexually-motivated criminal activity while utilizing the Dark Web is a very high-stakes matter. If you can’t clear your name, you may end up in jail or pay hefty fines. As such, you must have a thorough understanding of the potential consequences. 

You can improve your chances of a successful conclusion in your criminal case by enlisting the assistance of a criminal defense attorney with expertise and experience. But more importantly, an attorney you’ll feel comfortable working with during a stressful period.  

Starr Law, P.C Criminal Defense has a team of attorneys experienced in sex crime cases ready to assist you. But beyond the expertise, you also get an attorney who genuinely cares about getting you the best possible outcome. So, get in touch with us today to get a reliable, result-driven criminal defense attorney.