If you find yourself in the awful position of being accused falsely of committing a sex crime against somebody else, being aware of what might happen next can help to calm the fear of the unknown and ensure that you have the time to make sure that you are fully prepared for certain situations. From the initial report to the moment that you are arrested, the information below will help you prepare for what’s likely to happen throughout the process.
Contact by Law Enforcement:
Once an allegation has been made against you, you are likely going to be contacted by law enforcement at some point during the process. Local or federal law enforcement may visit you at your home, contact you on the telephone, or simply leave a business card at your door. They may downplay the accusations in order to get you to tell your side of the story, and may not even be willing to tell you what the allegations are unless you agree to talk to them. Bear in mind that if you are not in custody, anything that you say and do – or don’t say and do – cannot be used against you if the case goes to trial. Remember that you can still practice your Constitutional right to remain silent. You may want to prove your innocence, but it’s important to realize that even if you deny the allegations made against you, you will be under stress. It’s a good idea to first speak to a specialized attorney such as Campoli Defense and follow their guidance.
Speaking to Friends and Family:
Chances are, the people in your life are going to learn about the allegations, and they will likely want to ask you questions and get your side of things. However, it’s important to be careful who you share things with as you need to really know who is going to support you and who might hurt you. There are serious consequences for innocent people who have ended up saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Even if you are sure of your innocence, bear in mind that anything you say can be misunderstood or misinterpreted, and this could be reported inaccurately to law enforcement.
Being Arrested and Charged:
Once the local or federal law enforcement believe that they have gathered enough evidence to get an arrest warrant, the prosecuting attorney will decide whether or not to issue one. Many months can often go by after the investigation before you are arrested; if you have an attorney they will have likely been in touch with law enforcement to assess the situation. Facing an arrest for a sex crime that you did not commit can be a scary experience, however, it’s important to understand that it’s during this time when you will need to make some of the most important decisions of your life. It’s strongly advisable to only make statements under the guidance of your attorney.
Facing an accusation of a sex crime that you did not commit can be a distressing time for anybody. If you have found yourself in this situation, being prepared for what’s to come and working with a good attorney can strengthen your case.
