Dos And Don’ts When You Are Accused of False Sex Crime Allegations

Even though studies show that the percentage of sex offenses that are wrongly filed is statistically small—between 2 and 7 percent in nearly all states—being improperly accused can still be a very horrible experience. While it may be tempting to ignore the problem and hope it goes away, handling a fake sex crime poorly is not the right course of action. Click on read more to hire an attorney if you have been accused of false sex crime charges. 

What to do and not to do during false sex crime allegations

Not all of the reasons behind someone charging you with a sexual offense you did not commit are negative. Of course, the individual may be merely looking for repayment, such as when an ex attempts to get an advantage in a custody battle or divorce. Alternatively, the other person may regret the relationship despite it being consensual. Either they are misunderstanding each other, or they are trying to cover up an extramarital affair.

Dos

1. Hire an attorney immediately.

As soon as you discover that you have been accused of a sexual offense, contact a criminal defense lawyer with expertise in handling allegations of sexual assault. Just as you would consult a physician for a medical condition, you should work with a lawyer familiar with this kind of case.

2. Write down your memory of events. 

Write down your recollections of what happened when you discovered you had been accused. Make a note of the clothing you were putting on, the lighting in the space, the quantity of alcohol you had together, whether drugs were involved, and anything else that comes to mind. Give the clothes you were wearing to your attorney so they may be examined if they have yet to be laundered.

Don’ts

1. Ignoring the charges just because it is false

Although it might be simple to ignore the accusations and hope they go away because you are innocent, doing so is never the most effective action plan. Sexual offenses can have negative consequences that last a lifetime. You must take proactive steps to defend yourself as soon as you become aware of the allegations.

2. Trying to defend yourself

You are expected to defend your version of what happened before the charge was filed. Nevertheless, you must avoid contacting the accuser to "get to the bottom" of the accusation or offer a reason for what happened.

Make sure to speak to an experienced criminal lawyer.