Coral Gables Man Turns Himself in for Alleged Sex with Minor

A police search for a 32-year-old Coral Gables man, who allegedly met a 16-year-old girl on the Internet and later had sex with her in his apartment, was ended Monday when he turned himself in to detectives at the Coral Gables Police Department.

The girl identified the man in a driver’s license photo, and a warrant for his arrest went public Aug. 4. The man was charged with one count of unlawful sex with a minor and one of interference with custody.

The man apparently met the girl on Instagram and the two exchanged messages and phone numbers. The girl told police she rode in his 2013 BMW M6 convertible at least five times and that on July 25 he took her to his apartment in Coral Gables, and allegedly assaulted her.

She told police that she told the man she was 18 when he asked about her age.

This case brings up the question of whether you should turn yourself in to the police or not after being accused of committing a crime. The most important thing to remember in this situation is to not turn yourself in until you contact an attorney. Your criminal defense lawyer will listen to your situation and advise you on exactly what steps you should take next.

Despite what they say, police and prosecutors simply do not have your best legal interests in mind. In many cases, defendants accidentally incriminate themselves because they disclose way too much information. Communicating with law enforcement is extremely stressful when you are suspected of committing a crime, and because of this, it is not uncommon to say things you do not mean because of anxiety or increased pressure.

There are many things that can go wrong if you attempt to talk to the police without legal representation counseling you on your rights. You might say something that can later be used against you in court. Again, your statements may be misinterpreted, or recorded incorrectly.

On a different note, if you turn yourself in and are taken into custody right away, you may experience long delays before you can reach a criminal lawyer. This means you could spend longer time in jail and away from your loved ones. If you contact an attorney before you talk to the police, you will already have the legal support you need to get you through this difficult time.

If there is a warrant out for your arrest in south Florida, it is only a matter of time before you will have to face up to the criminal charges against you. It is best to not delay, call a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away at 866-608-5529 or toll-free at 866-608-5529 to set up your free and confidential consultation.