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Every year, thousands of individuals become victims of sexual assault. While many perpetrators are rightly charged, some individuals end up wrongly accused. In fact, research shows that anywhere between 2 and 10% of sexual assault cases are actually false reports. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these criminal law tips to protect yourself.

3 Steps to Take After Being Falsely Accused of Sexual Assault

1. Don't Speak With Authorities Alone

Upon being accused of a crime, innocent people want to plead their case to law enforcement. However, anything you say can be taken out of context and used against you at a later date. Legally, you aren't required to answer any questions provided by authorities, even if you haven't been officially detained. As a result, it's best to wait to respond to inquiries until a lawyer is present.

2. Create a Written Account of the Incident

criminal lawWhile you don't need to account the incident to police, you may want to write down your version of events. Sometimes, even the smallest details end up being the most important in criminal law proceedings. For that reason, you need to include every single memory in your document and provide it to your defense attorney to analyze for significant information about the case.

3. Hire an Attorney

To ensure the court has the opportunity to hear the truth, one of your first calls after being accused should be to a law firm. Many individuals make the mistake of thinking they don't need an attorney because they're innocent. However, that mindset could end up being detrimental to your case. Legal professionals understand the ins and outs of criminal law, which is helpful when proving your innocence.

 

If you've been falsely accused of sexual assault, reach out to The Law Office of Christopher J. Swatosh in Ava and Ozark, MO. The defense attorney offers over two decades of experience, including five years as the Douglas County prosecutor. Along with criminal defense, he also specializes in personal injury, bankruptcy, and family law. Learn more about the firm's criminal law services by calling (417) 683-2987 today.

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