Being wrongfully accused of sexual assault is an overwhelming, frustrating, and often traumatic experience. That being said, first and most importantly, you should understand that if you’ve been wrongfully accused, the truth is on your side. Additionally, you should know that our firm is on your side and ready to defend you at every turn. Please continue reading and reach out to the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to learn more about the steps to take if you’re wrongfully accused of sexual assault and how our legal team can fight to protect your reputation and future.
What to Do if You’re Wrongfully Accused of Sexual Assault
If you’ve been wrongfully accused of sexual assault, be sure to take the following steps:
- Stay calm and silent. Do not panic or react emotionally to the accusation. Do not confront or contact your accuser. Do not talk to anyone about the case, especially the police, without a lawyer present. Anything you say or do can be used against you in court. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney represent you. Exercise these rights.
- Hire an experienced sex crime lawyer. You need a lawyer who specializes in defending people accused of sexual crimes. A sex crime lawyer will know how to handle your case, gather evidence, challenge the accuser’s credibility, and present a strong defense in court. Do not settle for a public defender or a general criminal lawyer.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. You need to collect and preserve any evidence that can support your innocence and refute the accusation. This may include phone records, text messages, emails, social media posts, photos, videos, receipts, witnesses, alibis, medical records, and DNA tests.
- Avoid plea deals. The prosecution may offer you a plea deal to avoid a trial and reduce your sentence. However, this means that you have to admit guilt and accept a criminal conviction on your record. This can result in you losing your civil rights, having to register as a sex offender, facing restrictions on where you can live and work, and more. Do not accept any plea deals without consulting your lawyer first. If you are innocent, you should fight for your acquittal.
- Educate yourself. You should learn as much as you can about the laws and procedures related to sexual assault cases in NJ. You should also familiarize yourself with the possible defenses and strategies that can be used in your case. A lawyer can be of great service in this respect.
If you have further questions or need a competent New Jersey sex crimes attorney in your corner, please don’t hesitate to contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri today.