February 6, 2024 | Sex Crimes
False allegations of sexual assault can have severe consequences for the accused. In addition to the fear of being found guilty of a sex crime and facing criminal penalties, false accusations can ruin a person’s reputation and career.
The allegations could also negatively impact family court and child custody hearings and affect friends and family members. Even if the charges are proven false, there could be lingering damage.
Why Do People Make False Accusations of Sexual Assault?
Unfortunately, false accusations of sexual assault are common.
Reasons people make false allegations of sexual assault include, but are not limited to:
- To create an alibi
- For revenge
- To obtain sympathy or attention
- Regret of having an intimate relationship with someone
- To gain something or to blackmail someone
It is important to note that sexual assault is a serious criminal offense, and not all allegations are false. However, false accusations are more common than you might realize. Therefore, everyone should understand how to fight false allegations of sexual assault in Lexington, Kentucky.
Steps To Take To Fight False Accusations of Sexual Assault
If you are falsely accused of sexual assault, consider taking these steps:
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
You have the legal right to refuse to answer questions or make a statement. You also have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Therefore, you should exercise your right to remain silent except for asking for a Lexington criminal defense attorney.
You will not talk your way out of criminal charges. Telling your “side of the story” won’t benefit you. Instead, talking to the police or the prosecutor could only make it more difficult to defend yourself against false allegations of sexual assault.
Remain Quiet With All Parties
Do not talk about the sexual assault charges with anyone other than your lawyer. Never post information online or on social media. Discuss your social media accounts with your attorney to determine the best way to handle them during the criminal case.
Hire an Experienced Lexington Criminal Defense Lawyer
You need a strong defense to beat false accusations of sexual assault. Therefore, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer in Lexington with experience handling sex crime cases. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of proving your innocence.
Do Not Contact the Accuser
You might feel tempted to contact the accuser. Do not give in to that temptation. Contacting the accuser or anyone related to them could not only hurt your defense but may also result in additional criminal charges, such as intimidating a witness.
Gather Evidence Proving Your Innocence
Work with your lawyer to gather evidence proving that you could not have committed sexual assault. Your attorney will investigate the charges against you and gather evidence to build a defense to prove your innocence.
Potential defenses to false allegations of sexual assault include:
- The encounter was consensual
- You have an alibi for the time and date of the alleged assault
- Inaccurate or inconsistent statements from the accuser
- The accuser misidentified you as the attacker
- DNA proves you were not the attacker
- The accuser withdrew consent, and you immediately ceased sexual activity
- Legal defenses, including violating your civil rights and lack of evidence proving guilt
Evidence could include text messages, phone records, photographs, or anything that shows you could not have committed the crime. Evidence may also include witness statements and expert testimony.
Remain Calm
Staying composed when you are falsely accused of sexually assaulting someone is challenging. You experience intense emotions, including anger, frustration, fear, and anxiety. However, it is crucial that you remain calm.
Remaining calm allows you to think rationally about the matter and make sound decisions. It also prevents you from making matters worse by losing your temper.
Consider a Plea Deal
Going to trial to fight false allegations is not always the best defense strategy in a criminal case. There could be factors that make going to trial risky. A plea deal might be the better option because you may receive a much lighter sentence than if you go to court and lose your case.
Don’t Try to Fight False Allegations of Sexual Assault Alone – Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Lexington, KY
You could face severe punishment if you are found guilty of sexual assault. Never assume that your innocence will protect you in court. Innocent people are convicted of crimes. Instead, contact a Lexington sexual assault defense lawyer for help.
Contact the Lexington Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.
Suhre & Associates, LLC – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507