What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is an incredibly serious charge, and you’re likely worried about your reputation and future if someone has falsely accused you of committing it. False accusations may involve a complete fabrication or a misunderstanding between you and the accuser. Depending on the circumstances, though, you may be well-positioned to pursue a dismissal or acquittal in your case.

Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontations

Although learning that someone has falsely accused you of sexually assaulting them may upset you, you can best protect your interests by staying composed and refraining from reacting emotionally. Staying calm will help you make informed, rational decisions, reducing the chances of making mistakes that could jeopardize your rights and options.

Furthermore, you should not contact or confront your accuser. Your accuser may have obtained a protective order against you, so attempting to contact them may result in you facing additional criminal charges for violating the protective order. Additionally, prosecutors may use your actions in confronting your accuser or statements you make to them against you during your criminal trial.

Finally, avoid discussing your case on social media, as prosecutors may use your posts against you.

Seek Legal Representation

You should also seek help from a knowledgeable sex crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible after you learn that someone has falsely accused you of sexual assault or the police arrest you for an offense. An attorney can investigate your sexual assault charges to obtain evidence undermining the allegations, such as witness testimony or alibi evidence. An attorney can also help you understand your rights and advise you at each stage of your case. Criminal defense lawyers have extensive training and experience crafting compelling defense strategies that can prove the falsity of the allegations against you. If you try to handle your charges alone, you risk an adverse outcome if the prosecution has evidence that tends to make you look guilty.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

Collect evidence supporting your innocence, such as text messages, social media posts, photos, or videos. You can also identify witnesses who can testify about your whereabouts to support an alibi defense or about your interactions with the accuser to contradict their allegations.

Understand Your Rights

As a criminal defendant, you have the right to remain silent, which means you do not have to answer questions from law enforcement investigators or take the stand during your trial. You also have the right to an attorney to represent you at each stage of your case. Finally, you have the right to require the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; you do not have to present any evidence or witnesses at trial – the prosecution bears the sole burden of proof in a criminal case.

Contact a Sex Crimes Defense Attorney Today

If someone has falsely accused you of sexual assault, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and reputation. Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder today for a confidential consultation with our legal team to discuss your options for asserting your innocence as you face prosecution for sexual assault.