A sex crime allegation is a serious and complex issue. A conviction bears grave consequences for the accused, which can affect different aspects of your life. But what if someone accused you of something you did not do?
Before you make any rash decisions, try to stay calm and remember your right to legal counsel. An attorney can help you assess the situation and strategize on how to defend yourself against sexual assault and other related offenses. Below are additional tips for what to do and what not to do in this upsetting situation.
Things you should not do after a sex crime accusation
If you feel someone is falsely accusing you of a sex crime, it is only natural that you would want to clear your name and image. However, taking certain steps can make your circumstances worse:
- Confronting the accuser: As much as you might want to ask for clarification, a confrontation can make the accuser feel threatened.
- Talking directly to the police without consulting an attorney: Only give statements to police once you have spoken with an attorney. You have the right to remain silent, and things you say to police could come back to haunt you.
- Venting to other people on social media: Being accused of a sex crime can be aggravating, but you should rein in your emotions and not let them get the best of you. Even if you think you are anonymous or posting on a private account, it is much easier than people think to get access to what we say and do online. Thus, prosecutors can use your online statements and actions against you.
Remember to stay calm during these circumstances, as plenty of eyes will be on you. Fewer actions can result in fewer mistakes.
Taking every accusation seriously
People wind up facing wrongful sexual offense allegations for many reasons, from mistaken identity to a remorseful sexual partner. In some cases, an accuser may attempt to make a former partner look bad when involved in family legal proceedings.
Although they are merely allegations proven true, they can still negatively impact your life. Sexual criminal accusations like this can jeopardize your job, relationships and overall wellness, and taking your defense against them seriously will be crucial.