Sex Crime Attorney in Hampton

Our Comprehensive Approach to Sex Crime Defense

At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we do not wait for the prosecution to hand us their version of the truth. We conduct our own parallel investigation. Our approach includes:

• Challenging Witness Credibility: We investigate motives for false accusations, such as custodial disputes, revenge, or external pressure.
• DNA and Forensic Scrutiny: We work with independent forensic experts to review the Commonwealth’s DNA evidence. Contamination in a lab or a break in the chain of custody can be grounds for suppressing evidence.
• Former Prosecutor Insight: Having sat on the other side of the table for years, our lead attorney understands how the Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney builds their cases and where they are most likely to cut corners.
• Defense of Consent: Where applicable, we build a robust defense based on the voluntary and affirmative nature of the encounter, using digital communications or witness testimony to support your account.

Why Work With Our Firm For Sex Crimes Defense

When facing a sex offense allegation, choosing the right lawyer is critical. These cases often involve complex evidence, emotional testimony, and careful scrutiny from law enforcement and prosecutors. You need an attorney who understands how these cases are constructed and can respond strategically to protect both your freedom and your reputation.

Attorney Scott Ehrenworth’s experience as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into how the Commonwealth investigates and charges sex crimes. This perspective allows the firm to anticipate prosecutorial strategies, identify key evidence, and spot weaknesses, creating a defense grounded in the realities of Virginia courts.

With decades of experience handling serious felony cases in Hampton and the Hampton Roads region, the firm has guided clients through a wide range of allegations, including online conduct and delayed reports. By tailoring strategies to each client’s circumstances and staying accessible throughout the case, the firm provides experienced, dependable representation focused on protecting rights and minimizing risk. Our Superb Avvo Rating reflects our dedication to dependable, trustworthy representation. Clients also turn to us because we offer after hours appointments when needed, and we work to be accessible throughout the life of the case.

What To Do If You Are Under Investigation Or Charged

If you are under investigation or have been charged with a sex offense, taking the right steps early can protect your rights and prevent mistakes that could harm your case. Key actions to consider include:

• Before You Speak With Investigators: Consult a lawyer before agreeing to any interview with police, detectives, or child protective services. A sex crime attorney can advise on whether and how to respond and can be present during questioning to help prevent statements from being misinterpreted or used against you.
• If You Have Already Been Charged: Follow all court-imposed conditions carefully, such as bond requirements, protective orders, or no-contact rules. Violating these orders can result in additional charges or changes to your release, complicating your defense.
• Protecting Yourself Day To Day: Preserve relevant messages, emails, and social media content without altering or deleting anything. Avoid discussing the case publicly or with coworkers, friends, or family outside your legal team. Even casual comments can be used against you later.
• Working With Your Lawyer: Contacting Ehrenworth Law, PLLC early allows attorneys to review what has happened, guide your interactions with investigators or the court, and provide clear instructions to minimize risks while your case is pending.

How We Approach Defending Sex Crime Allegations

Every sex offense case has its own facts, history, and dynamics. Our first step is to listen carefully to your account, your concerns, and your priorities. We review charging documents, available reports, and any information you have, such as messages or timelines. This early review helps us understand both what the Commonwealth is alleging and what may be missing from their picture.

Using Prosecutorial Insight To Evaluate The Case

Because Attorney Scott Ehrenworth previously served as a prosecutor, we pay close attention to how the other side is likely to view the case. We consider how a prosecutor might assess the credibility of witnesses, the strength of digital or forensic evidence, and the presence of any inconsistencies. That perspective helps us identify where the case may be challenged and what information could be important to develop.

Examining Evidence & Credibility

In many sex crime cases, credibility is central. The people involved may know each other well. There may be prior arguments, breakups, family disputes, or other background that influences how events are described. We look at the relationship history, the timing of the report, and any possible motives or pressures that could affect testimony. We also examine whether what is alleged matches other available evidence, such as messages, travel records, or phone data, when those materials are available.

Planning The Path Forward

Some cases involve complex digital evidence or multiple statements from the same person. We work to understand how that evidence was gathered and how it might be presented in court. Where appropriate, we may raise legal issues about the way evidence was obtained or about the charges themselves. Other cases may call for careful negotiation, where we explain weaknesses in the case to the prosecution and discuss potential resolutions. In some situations, clients decide that a trial is the right path. We prepare for that possibility from the beginning, so we are not scrambling later.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed. We explain what is happening, what decisions are coming up, and what the realistic options are. You will know the risks and potential benefits of each path, and we will give you our candid assessment of the choices without pressuring you. Our goal is to combine thorough legal work with steady, honest communication so you are not left guessing about your own defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Our Conversation Confidential If I Contact Your Firm?

Yes. Conversations with Ehrenworth Law, PLLC are confidential under attorney-client privilege, allowing you to discuss sensitive details freely. This confidentiality ensures lawyers can fully understand your situation, evaluate risks, and provide accurate guidance. Being candid about all aspects of the case, even uncomfortable details, helps the attorney develop a thorough defense strategy and protect your rights throughout the process.

How Can A Former Prosecutor Help In A Sex Crime Case?

A former prosecutor brings insight into how the Commonwealth evaluates and prosecutes sex offense cases. This experience allows attorneys to identify potential weaknesses, anticipate prosecution strategies, and plan defenses effectively. Understanding the perspective of the other side helps in negotiations, pretrial motions, and trial preparation. While no experience guarantees results, this knowledge provides a meaningful strategic advantage for clients.

What Should I Do If My Case Is In A Hampton Court?

If your case is in a Hampton court, it is important to know which court and type of hearing you will attend. Ehrenworth Law, PLLC attorneys explain the purpose of each stage, help you prepare, and advise on logistics such as arrival times and what to bring. Familiarity with local courts allows attorneys to guide you confidently through procedures and reduce the stress of appearing in a new setting.

Can You Help If I Have Not Been Charged But Someone Made A Report?

Yes. Early legal guidance is critical even before charges are filed. Attorneys can review available information, advise on communication with investigators, and help set boundaries. This early involvement can prevent missteps that could harm your position. While you cannot control law enforcement decisions, strategic guidance helps protect your rights and positions you for the best possible outcome if charges are eventually filed.

Take The First Step To Protect Your Future

A sex offense allegation does not have to define the rest of your life, but how you respond to it can shape your future. Speaking with a knowledgeable sex crime lawyer in Hampton is an important step toward regaining some control over what happens next. You do not have to navigate police contact, court hearings, or difficult decisions about pleas and trials on your own.

At Ehrenworth Law, PLLC, we bring decades of criminal defense experience, a former prosecutor’s insight, and a commitment to personalized strategies for every client we serve in the Hampton area. We take the time to explain the charges, the evidence, and the possible paths forward, and we do so with discretion and respect. Consultations are confidential, and our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance from the very first conversation.

To discuss your situation with our firm and speak with a sex crime attorney about your options, call (757) 663-4477 or reach out online now.