How to Respond to a Sex Crime Accusation at Kent State University
If you’re a college student who has been accused of sexual assault, rape, or another sex offense, you need an experienced Kent criminal defense attorney who can help you understand how to respond to a sex crime accusation at Kent State University. These accusations can be serious and may impact your future career opportunities and relationships.
Knowing what steps to take after an accusation of sexual assault can help you more easily navigate the legal process. Explore more about what to do to protect your rights and how to move forward when facing these charges.
The Seriousness of Accusations
Sex crimes are a serious problem on college campuses, with 13% of college students reporting instances of rape or sexual assault. In Kent, Ohio, assault rates, which include sexual assault crimes, occur at a rate of 1 in 634.
Even if you believe the accusation against you is false, you can’t ignore the charges. Kent State University has its own student conduct procedures for addressing allegations of sexual misconduct. These proceedings are separate from a criminal case, which means you could face disciplinary actions from the school in addition to criminal sentencing.
The situation won’t resolve itself, so it’s imperative that you take prompt action when facing a sex crime charge.
Don’t Contact the Accuser
Your first reaction may be to try to contact the accuser to ask questions or explain what happened. However, this can create additional problems. Don’t send texts, call, try to meet in person, or ask another person to contact them on your behalf.
It’s also important not to post on social media about the incident or discuss the allegations openly. Every post or communication can be used as evidence in the case. If communication becomes necessary, an experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you on how to proceed.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
If law enforcement contacts you about the alleged sex offense, you may want to defend yourself and explain your side of the story. This is another opportunity to seek guidance from your attorney.
Investigators may already have evidence and communications that you don’t know about when they contact you, which can put you on the spot when trying to address their questions. These stressful situations can result in you making claims or statements that can hurt your case later on.
You have the right to remain silent and consult an attorney. Exercising this right doesn’t mean you’re admitting to the crime. It simply gives you a chance to fully understand the situation before making statements that can affect your case.
Preserve Evidence
If you believe there is evidence that supports your side of the story, preserve it. Don’t delete messages, photographs, or social media conversations. Keep records in their original form, and avoid editing or manipulating them in any way. Deleting evidence can make things worse.
Useful evidence can include:
- Emails, text messages, and direct social media messages
- Photographs and videos
- Phone records
- Location information
- Ride-share records
- Receipts
- Campus records
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
Keep your attorney informed of any available evidence or other possible routes to investigate.
The Difference Between University and Criminal Proceedings
Kent State University can investigate alleged violations in accordance with student conduct policies. On the other hand, a criminal investigation involves law enforcement and prosecutors determining if Ohio law was violated. These processes may overlap, with the same evidence being presented in both cases.
This makes it particularly important to consider the potential consequences of both university discipline and legal consequences when participating in an interview or investigation for either side. An attorney with sex crime defense experience can help you understand how both of these structures work.
Hire a Sex Crime Lawyer
If you have been accused of a sex offense, it’s time to hire a Kent sex crime lawyer who can support you through this stressful situation. DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can explain the allegations against you, review all possible consequences, and identify defenses that encourage the most favorable outcome possible.
Our firm represents university students and those in the surrounding communities. When you work with us, you get a legal team of dedicated advocates protecting your rights.
Whether you’re dealing with an investigation, criminal charges, or related legal concerns, we can help you make informed decisions that can give you some peace of mind as you move through the legal process.
FAQs
How Do I Shut Down False Accusations?
It’s not a simple process to shut down a false accusation. Rather than arguing with the person who made it, it’s better to avoid direct confrontation, preserve evidence, and obtain legal guidance quickly. If the police or a university investigator contacts you, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney prior to answering any questions. Your lawyer can evaluate the evidence and create a strong defense that supports your innocence in the matter.
What Happens to a First-Time Sex Offender?
What happens to a first-time sex offender in Ohio really depends on the charge. A charge could result in jail time, fines, probation, or mandatory counseling. There may also be a requirement to avoid contact with certain people or register as a sex offender. Courts may consider the defendant’s age, the victim’s age, and any previous criminal record when determining legal consequences.
What Are Some Examples of Sex Crimes?
Some examples of sex crimes in Ohio include things like rape, sexual battery, and gross sexual imposition. These crimes are generally charged as felonies, though the degree of felony depends on the subsection of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2907. Sexual imposition is often charged as a misdemeanor under Ohio law.
How Do I Beat a Sex Crime Allegation?
There is no one strategy to use to beat an allegation of a sex crime. A defense begins with determining what the alleged conduct was and which statute applies to the case. Counsel then examines the evidence and records and may challenge the reliability of the sources. Your lawyer may need to address university proceedings separately from local court proceedings.
Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder
A sex crime accusation at Kent State can greatly impact your future. Both a criminal investigation and university proceedings can affect your career opportunities and relationships. Whether you have been accused at Kent State’s main campus, Salem campus, Trumbull campus, or any other university location, DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can help.
Contact our office today to learn more about how to respond to a sex crime allegation at Kent State University.
