4 Steps to Protect Yourself When Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

Sometimes sexual assault charges are false, but proving innocence can be difficult given the visceral response most people have to allegations of sexual assault.

Being falsely accused of sexual assault can be trying. The concept of “innocent until proven guilty” seems to go out the window and the accused can be ostracized or feel abandoned by friends and family. Even if you know you are innocent and even though the U.S. legal system presumes your innocence until proven guilty, it’s important to protect yourself and build a strong defense against the accusations. The stakes are simply too high to leave to chance and the assumption that your innocence will be proven.

Protect Yourself Against False Sexual Assault Charges

Take steps to protect yourself as soon as you learn of the sexual assault charges. Use this checklist to get started:

1. Use Your Constitutional Rights. It may go against your nature to remain silent when you are being accused of something you didn’t do, but if you are in police custody or being questioned or investigated by police, invoke your constitutional rights to: Remain Silent and Have an Attorney Present.
2. Don’t Ignore False Charges. Do not underestimate the damage that false accusations can have on your life. Even if it ends up that the charges are found to be untrue, you’ll still probably be detained and questioned by the police, have your life investigated, and see your reputation suffer. Never assume that just because you are innocent, you can’t be harmed; you can.
3. Collect Documentation. Write down every detail you can about the situation when the information is still fresh in your mind. Collect names of potential witnesses and contact information so your attorney can follow up with them.
4. Meet with a Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away. As soon as you are accused, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to help you build a defense. Early actions can provide serious protections and prevent you from saying or doing anything to jeopardize your case.

Eisenberg Law Defends The Falsely Accused

Being convicted of sexual assault will affect you for the rest of your life. You face fines and jail time, possible registration as a sex offender and will likely lose your job and perhaps your home. The risks are simply too high to ignore sexual assault charges, even if you know that they are false.

If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or Info@eisenberglaw.org to discuss your situation in a safe and confidential setting.