False Accusation of Sexual Assault: What Do I Do?
If you believe that you have been wrongly accused of committing rape, you need to take these allegations seriously. Despite appearing farfetched and ludicrous, the consequences from these accusations can be life-changing and long-lasting.
The following are several things you should do immediately after being falsely accused of sexual assault:
- Realize the level of trouble you could be in. Many people who are falsely accused go into some form of denial and minimize the trouble they are actually in, which can result in failing to do things which they need to avoid getting into deeper legal trouble.
- Choose the best lawyer for you. There are criminal defense attorneys who specialize in DUI cases, violent crimes, theft crimes, and sex crimes. You should search for a lawyer who has an excellent track record of success in sexual assault cases. Take a look at any prospective candidate’s resume and previous case results.
- Consider all of the possible motives. When you work together with your attorney to determine your accuser’s motive for falsely accusing you of the sexual assault allegations. If you had sex with your accuser, was it consensual? Was the consumption of alcohol or drugs involved? Your lawyer is capable of discovering what motives may exist on the part of you as well as your accuser.
- Have a detailed account of events and potential witnesses. If possible provide any detailed account relating to the events which led up to the rap accusations to your attorney. Tell everything to your lawyer, even details you believe are not pertinent. Furthermore, recall if there are any witnesses to the interaction between you and your accuser? Do you have any character witnesses who can authenticate any motivates of either you or your accuser?
- Be aware of your actions. You need to watch what you do and what you say. Avoid keeping the details of the case to yourself and your attorney. Avoid expressing any concerns or opinions about your case on social media, or comment on anything which may jeopardize your case.
If you were recently arrested or accused of rape in Missouri, contact our St. Louis criminal defense attorney at The Hammer Law Firm and request a free consultation today.