False Sexual Offense Allegations Defense Information

False allegations are fairly common, especially in child sex abuse situations. If a child makes the allegations, an older person with a motive may have influenced him or her or the child may have based his accusation on an overactive imagination. Public awareness of child abuse has increased, and more reports of possible abuse are being made, but not all reports are substantiated. Also, even good-faith accusations may not be true, and false allegations may be made to harm the accused. If you find yourself the victim of false allegations, whether well meaning or not, a criminal defense firm can help you take immediate action to defend yourself.

What To Do Legally?

If you are innocent of claims brought against you, it is tempting to assume that the justice system will work and that truth will prevail. However, you must not passively sit back and wait if false accusations are raised. Even if you know that you are innocent, trust that the truth will win, or believe that the accuser will change his or her mind, you must immediately consult with an attorney who can safeguard your interests and may even be able to avoid a charge being brought against you.

Upon contacting your attorney, apprise him or her of all relevant facts, voice your questions and concerns, and keep him or her up to date of all developments after your meeting. Your attorney may ask you to get in touch with friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, and other individuals who may be willing to testify on your behalf. Also, no matter what promises the prosecution or the other party may make, do not admit to anything you did not do. In many cases, admitting to a lesser charge may seem easier than defending yourself, but a sex offense conviction has many long-lasting and far-reaching implications that can affect your future employment, friendships, and family relationships. If you are falsely accused of a sex offense, you cannot risk delaying your defense; a criminal defense attorney can put you in the best position to avoid or defend against a false charge.

What Else Should I Do?

If the false accusation involves a custody dispute, maintain a positive relationship with your children. They may not even understand the words that they were prompted or encouraged to say to implicate you, and they are not likely to be ultimately responsible for the false allegations. If the accusations involve children other than your own, remove yourself from situations that could be wrongly interpreted or that are ripe for abuse, such as helping children dress or having them sleep in your bed. If such situations are unavoidable, have another adult present at all times that you are around children.

Even if you know the accusations are false, take them seriously and obtain legal help, but try to continue your normal life. It may be helpful to remind yourself that societal interests require that all child sexual abuse accusations be investigated. Keep a positive attitude toward the situation, and be cooperative with authorities, but firm in your position. With the strong legal support of an experienced criminal defense firm and truth on your side, you will be in the best possible position to overcome the false allegations.

Conclusion

Other than serious violent crimes, child molestation carries the greatest risk for state prison sentences, even for first-time offenders, and, in many states, registration as a sex offender for life. Unfortunately, child molestation also carries a great risk of false accusations, whether programmed by an adult or simply arising out of the child’s fantasy world. Engaging an expert defense team is as important in false allegations of child molestation or other sex offenses as it is if you actually committed a rape crime.