Sexual Assault Lawyer in Franklin

Facing A Sexual Assault Charge In Middle Tennessee

A sexual assault accusation can change your life in an instant. You may be worried about jail, your family, your job, and what people here will think of you. If you are under investigation or already charged in or around Franklin, you need calm, informed guidance right away.

I represent people who are accused of serious sexual offenses in this area. I have spent more than three decades practicing criminal defense and family law in Middle Tennessee, and I use that experience to help clients understand what is happening and what choices they face. When you call my office, you talk directly with me about your situation, not a gatekeeper or a rotation of staff.

To talk directly with me about your sexual assault case in Franklin, call (615) 437-6320.

What To Do After An Allegation

The first hours and days after a sexual assault allegation can feel chaotic. You might have been contacted by a detective, arrested by the Franklin Police Department, or served with paperwork connected to a warrant or an order of protection. In that moment, it can be hard to know what to say or do.

Anything you say to law enforcement or potential witnesses can be used later, and it can be very difficult to undo those statements. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney before answering questions. Exercising that right is not an admission of guilt. It is a way to protect yourself while you get legal advice specific to your situation.

Text messages, social media posts, and emails often play a major role in these cases. It is important not to delete or alter potential evidence, because that can raise separate issues. At the same time, you should avoid posting online about the accusation or trying to argue your case on social media. Those conversations can easily be taken out of context.

If a court has issued bond conditions or a no-contact order, follow them precisely, even if you disagree with them. New violations can make the underlying case much harder to manage. When you call my office about a sexual assault allegation, I focus first on stabilizing the situation, explaining the immediate risks, and helping you avoid choices that might close off options later.

If you have just learned of an allegation, some immediate steps can help protect you:

• Do not give a statement to police or investigators before you speak with a defense attorney.
• Preserve texts, emails, and other communications without editing or deleting them.
• Avoid contacting the accuser or any potential witness, especially if a court has limited contact.
• Write down a timeline of events while your memory is fresh, and keep it private.
• Call a lawyer who handles sexual offense cases in this area as soon as you can.

How Sexual Assault Cases Proceed

Once an accusation reaches the criminal justice system, the process can feel unfamiliar and intimidating. Cases often begin with an investigation, which may involve interviews, search warrants, and the collection of electronic evidence. In some situations, a person learns of the case only when they are arrested or receive notice to appear in a local criminal court.

After an arrest, the court typically addresses bond and conditions of release. You may face limits on travel or contact with certain people. The first formal appearance in court usually involves learning the exact charges and entering an initial plea. As your sexual assault lawyer, Franklin, I explain what each setting is for and what decisions, if any, you will need to make at that stage.

In Tennessee, sex offense charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies that carry substantial prison exposure and potential registration requirements. The specific penalties depend on the statute charged, the facts alleged, and any prior history. I spend time walking clients through the realistic range of outcomes, including both best-case and worst-case scenarios, so they can prepare for what may be ahead.

Protecting Family & Future

For many clients, the most painful part of a sexual assault allegation is the potential impact on their children and their role as a parent. Allegations can be raised during a divorce, a dispute over parenting time, or a conflict about a new relationship. Courts that serve Franklin and nearby communities take these concerns seriously, and the way they are handled can reshape parenting arrangements for years.

Because I handle both criminal defense and family law, I pay close attention to how a criminal case may affect any current or future custody order. A temporary allegation can lead to temporary changes in parenting time or supervised contact. I work to keep the focus on practical, workable arrangements for children instead of letting conflict and blame take over every hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens first if I am charged in Franklin?

Most people first appear in a criminal court that serves this area, where the court addresses bond and the initial charges. You will usually enter a plea of not guilty at that stage. I explain the purpose of each setting and help you prepare for what to expect in that courtroom.

How can these allegations affect my custody case?

Sex offense allegations can influence parenting time, decision-making authority, and even temporary orders. Family courts look closely at safety and stability. Because I handle both criminal defense and family law, I work to coordinate strategy so your position as a parent is considered in both courts.

How do you charge for sexual assault defense?

Sexual assault defense is typically handled through a fee agreement that reflects the seriousness and complexity of the case. I discuss fees openly during our first conversation so you understand the structure. My goal is to provide efficient, high-quality service without unnecessary cost.

Talk With Me About Your Case

Reaching out to a lawyer about a sexual assault allegation is not easy. You may feel ashamed, angry, or unsure what to say. A confidential conversation with an attorney who understands Franklin and the courts that serve this area can help you feel more grounded and prepared.

I personally handle sexual assault defense matters for clients across Middle Tennessee. When you contact my office, you speak with me about your concerns and your goals. We will talk about what has happened so far, what the road ahead may look like, and what steps you can take now to protect yourself and your family.

To talk directly with me about your sexual assault case in Franklin, call (615) 437-6320.