What is a “Pretext Call” in a Sex Crime Investigation?

A “pretext call” in a sex crime investigation is where police, working together with an alleged victim or someone else, have that person call a person suspected of some type of sex crime. The goal of the conversation is to get the suspect to admit to the crime while the police are recording the call. That admission, together with the victim’s accusations and other evidence, can be used to charge the suspect with one or more sex crimes. 

Are Pretext Calls Legal? 

For the most part, pretext calls are legal. They involve contrived conversations between either someone who claims to be a victim of the target suspect or someone else with whom police believe the suspect will enter into a conversation. The goal of any pretext call is to get the suspect to admit to illegal conduct – in most cases, conduct that would constitute a sex crime. 

Can Police Record Pretext Calls? 

Indiana requires the consent of at least one party to record a conversation. In the case of the typical pretext call, that person can be the alleged victim or another person working with the police who places the call to the suspect. 

Can Pretext Call Recordings Be Used in Court? 

Whether a recording of a pretext call can be used in court depends on a number of things, including:

• whether it is a true and accurate recording of the conversation
• how the recording has been maintained by the police and prosecutors since it was made
• whether the conversation actually includes admissions from the suspect about illegal conduct
• whether the recording is unduly prejudicial given the information that it reveals 

There can be a substantial difference, for example, between a suspect directly admitting to illegal sexual conduct and the suspect expressing sympathy for any pain that the person working with the police expresses during the conversation. 

Razumich & Associates Can Defend You Against Sex Crime Charges

Sex crime charges of any type are extremely serious. Even if you’re not convicted, your name and the charges made against you will be made public and could damage your reputation for years or decades to come. Depending on the charge, a conviction can land you in prison for a very long time. Upon your release, you will likely be required to register as a convicted sex offender for at least 10 years and possibly for the rest of your life, depending on what you were convicted of. 

You need an experienced and zealous advocate to protect your rights and defend you against sex crime charges. At Razumich & Associates, we have that experience. We regularly fight for clients accused of serious crimes, including sex crimes, in courts all across Indiana. We are here and ready to help you fight what may very well be the most important fight of your life. 

Call us today at 317-983-5333 or fill out our contact form, and we will schedule a consultation with you to discuss your case and let you know how Razumich & Associates can help.