Walnut Creek Sexual Abuse Attorney
Confidential Defense For Life-Changing Accusations
Being accused of sexual abuse can affect every part of your life at once. You may be worried about your freedom, your family, your job, and your reputation in the community. In this situation, you need clear information about what comes next and a focused criminal defense lawyer who understands how serious cases move through Contra Costa County courts.
Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation is a criminal defense practice based in Walnut Creek that represents people facing serious charges, including sexual abuse and other sex offense allegations. Thomas Daly provides one-on-one representation, listens carefully to each client's account, and works to protect their rights at every stage. If you are under investigation or already charged, you can speak confidentially with the firm about your options and next steps.
Have you been accused and need to speak with a Walnut Creek Sexual Abuse Attorney you can trust? Call Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation today at (925) 208-4801 or contact us online for a confidential consultation and clear guidance on your next steps.
Facing Sexual Abuse Allegations in California and the Uncertainty They Create
Many people first learn about sexual abuse allegations when a police officer calls, a detective asks for an interview, or a notice arrives that a case has been filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court. Others may hear about an accusation through family members, schools, or workplaces. However it starts, the uncertainty and fear can be intense, especially when you have little or no experience with the criminal justice system.
Sexual abuse charges in California can expose a person to significant consequences. Depending on the specific allegation and a person's history, potential penalties can include time in county jail or state prison, registration as a sex offender, no-contact orders, and strict conditions that affect where a person can live or work. Even when a case has not yet gone to court, an investigation alone can damage relationships, education plans, or professional licenses.
These cases are often highly fact-driven. Issues such as consent, prior relationships, intoxication, and digital communications can all be part of what the police and prosecution review. At the same time, the emotional weight of the accusation can leave someone feeling isolated or judged before any court appearance. Having a criminal defense lawyer who understands both the legal process and the human impact is essential as you decide how to respond.
What To Do If You Are Contacted About Sexual Abuse Allegations
If you have recently been contacted by police or another agency about sexual abuse accusations, the steps you take now can affect both the investigation and any future case. Many people feel pressure to explain themselves right away, especially if they believe the claim is false or incomplete. It is common to want to defend yourself on the spot, but this can create risks that are difficult to undo later.
One of the most important choices you can make is to avoid speaking with law enforcement or investigators about the details of the allegation until you have consulted with a criminal defense lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning. Exercising that right does not mean that you have something to hide. It is a way to protect yourself from statements that might be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used against you in court.
It is also important not to contact the person making the allegation or potential witnesses directly. Even messages that are intended to clear up confusion or ask for information can be interpreted as pressure or intimidation. Courts may consider this when deciding whether to issue or modify protective orders, and prosecutors may view such contact in a negative light.
Instead, focus on preserving information that may be relevant. This can include saving text messages, emails, call logs, social media posts, photos, or other records that relate to the people involved or to the time period in question. You should avoid altering or deleting information, because that can raise additional concerns about how evidence is being handled.
After taking these initial steps, contacting a criminal defense lawyer promptly allows you to receive advice that is specific to your situation. When someone consults with Thomas Daly about sexual abuse allegations, the discussion often includes how to respond to current requests from law enforcement, what to expect if an arrest or court date is likely, and how to prepare for the decisions that may be coming. Having this guidance early can make a significant difference in how you move forward.
Understanding Sexual Abuse Charges & The Court Process Here
Sexual abuse and related sex offense charges in California can arise from a range of situations. Allegations may involve adults, minors, or both, and can relate to contacts that occurred in homes, schools, workplaces, or social settings. While each charge is defined by specific statutes, the heart of many cases involves questions about consent, credibility, and whether certain acts occurred in the way they are described.
Once law enforcement believes there is probable cause to support a charge, a report is usually submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors then decide whether to file a case, what charges to allege, and in which courthouse the matter should begin. Cases from this region often start in the Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, although matters that arise in particular areas can sometimes be set in courthouses located in Richmond or Pittsburg.
The first court appearance is typically an arraignment. At this hearing, which often takes place in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, the judge informs you of the charges, addresses issues such as bail or release, and may consider protective orders that limit contact with the accuser or others. Many clients are understandably nervous before arraignment, because they do not know what will be said or decided. Having a defense lawyer who regularly appears in these courts can help you understand what is likely to happen and how you can prepare.
After arraignment, most cases move through a series of pretrial conferences or hearings. During this time, the defense receives and reviews police reports, witness statements, and other materials, and may request more information. The defense and prosecution often discuss whether the case can be resolved through reduced charges or other agreements. If no resolution is reached, the matter may be set for motions or trial, where the court addresses legal issues and, ultimately, a judge or jury hears evidence.
Throughout this process, Thomas Daly's familiarity with the procedures and expectations in Contra Costa County courts helps him explain each step in practical terms. Clients are better able to make informed decisions when they know why a particular hearing is taking place, what options might be available, and how different choices can influence the outcome.
Why Many Clients Turn To Thomas Daly For Sensitive Criminal Defense
In sexual abuse cases, the relationship between attorney and client can be especially important. The facts are often deeply personal, and the consequences of the case can reach far beyond the courtroom. Many people choose to work with Thomas Daly because they want one lawyer who will know their case in detail, meet with them directly, and shape the defense around their specific concerns and goals.
This one-on-one approach allows the firm to devote detailed attention to each matter. In practice, that can mean taking the time to understand prior relationships, reviewing how communications unfolded over weeks or months, and considering how complex personal histories may affect how allegations are perceived. It also allows room for clients to share information that might be difficult to discuss in a larger, more impersonal setting.
Clients are often reassured to know that their attorney is familiar with the environment in which their case will unfold. Thomas Daly's work in Contra Costa County Superior Court, including regular appearances in Martinez and experience with cases arising in Richmond and Pittsburg, provides context for the strategic choices that must be made. That local insight supports decisions about how to approach negotiations, what motions may be appropriate, and how to prepare for hearings or trial.
Equally important is the firm's commitment to communication and support. Sexual abuse allegations can generate questions at every stage, from how to handle conversations with family members to what certain court documents mean. The firm strives to explain options in plain language and to make sure clients understand the possible consequences of each choice. Throughout, the focus remains on protecting rights, seeking fair and reasonable outcomes, and treating clients with respect.
Contact Our Walnut Creek Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Facing a sexual abuse allegation in this area is one of the most serious situations a person can encounter, but you do not have to navigate it on your own. Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer who understands Contra Costa County courts and who provides one-on-one representation can help you make informed choices about how to protect your future.
If you are facing serious allegations, a Walnut Creek sexual abuse attorney can help protect your rights and your future—reach out now to schedule a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Talk To Police Before I Have A Lawyer?
In many situations, it is safer to speak with a lawyer before talking to police about sexual abuse allegations. You have the right not to answer questions and to have an attorney present during any interview. Even honest statements can sometimes be misunderstood or recorded in a way that does not match what you intended to say. When you consult with Thomas Daly in advance, he can help you decide whether to speak, how to respond to requests for interviews, and how to assert your rights respectfully.
Will My Sexual Abuse Case Be Kept Private?
Conversations between you and your criminal defense lawyer are confidential, and the firm treats sensitive information with discretion. Court proceedings, however, are generally public, and certain records may be accessible depending on the type of case and how it is filed. In some situations, the court may limit public access or use initials instead of full names, but this depends on the circumstances and applicable rules. During a consultation, Thomas Daly can explain what privacy protections usually apply to cases like yours in this county and how the firm works to minimize unnecessary exposure of personal details.
What Are The Possible Outcomes In A Sexual Abuse Case?
Possible outcomes in a sexual abuse case vary widely, and they depend on factors such as the specific charges, the evidence available, the person's prior record, and how the prosecution and defense present their positions. Some cases may result in dismissals or reductions, others in negotiated resolutions, and some go to trial for a verdict from a judge or jury. No attorney can promise a particular result, but a defense lawyer can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case, explain realistic possibilities, and work to pursue the most favorable resolution available under the circumstances.