What to do after a false sexual assault accusation?

If you have been wrongly accused of sexual assault, this can be a frightening and overwhelming experience as you face significant penalties for a crime you did not commit. Sadly, false accusations can ruin a person’s life. As such, knowing how to respond to false accusations is imperative to protect yourself. If you’ve been falsely accused of a sex-related crime, it is in your best interest to contact a competent Astoria Criminal Defense Lawyer who can help you fight to prove your innocence.

Why would someone falsely accuse me of sexual assault?

According to research, the false reporting of sex-related crimes is statistically low, ranging from 2 to 7 percent in most states. Although less frequent, false reporting still occurs. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons why someone might accuse you of a sex crime you did not commit. Generally, when an individual makes a false sexual assault accusation, it is because that accuser is seeking revenge, like if an ex was trying to obtain an unfair advantage in a divorce proceeding or child custody battle.

In other cases, it is possible for an individual after consensual sex to rethink their version of the events because they have regrets. Individuals may even wrongly accuse someone of sexual assault because they are trying to hide an extramarital affair. However, regardless of the reasoning for the false accusation, it is imperative to know how to respond to the allegations to protect yourself.

What should I do if I’m wrongly accused of sexual assault?

When faced with a false accusation of sexual assault, it may be tempting to ignore it in the hope that it will go away on its own, as you know you are innocent. However, this is not the best course of action, as such crimes can have long-lasting repercussions that can haunt you for the rest of your life. Therefore, it is crucial to take proactive steps as soon as you become aware of the charges to safeguard your rights. The first step toward this is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney will help you understand the laws and advise you on the best course of action given the circumstances to maximize your chances of clearing your name.

Do not answer questions or speak to the police without consulting your attorney. Do not try to defend yourself despite the urge to explain your version of the events that could have led up to the accusation. It is best to wait for your attorney before speaking to the police, as anything you say can and will be used against you. It’s imperative that you don’t contact your accuser, even if you are trying to get to the bottom of the accusation. Doing so can make it look like you are making excuses for what happened, resulting in you making yourself look guilty even though you are innocent. Furthermore, it would be best to write down your recollection of the events that may have led up to the accusation. Note any detail you can remember and list witnesses that corroborate your versions of the events.

If you’ve been wrongly accused of sexual assault, contact a seasoned lawyer from Vasiliou Law, who can efficaciously combat your charges to clear your name. Our firm is prepared to safeguard your rights and fight, tooth and nail, for the best possible outcome.