Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney. Do not contact the alleged victim if a protective order or bond condition restricts contact. Do not delete messages, call logs, photos, or online accounts. Early missteps can be difficult to undo.

Retaining counsel as early as possible also allows proactive steps to begin immediately. Early involvement may include preserving and collecting records, identifying and interviewing witnesses while memories are fresh, running a parallel defense investigation, communicating with investigators or prosecutors through counsel, and addressing related issues — such as counseling or treatment — when appropriate and strategically advisable. Acting early helps protect options and prevents avoidable damage before a case fully takes shape.