what kind of lawyer to hire when you've been falsely accused of rape

by Prof. Russel Sipes II 8 min read

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer for false allegations of child abuse?

You may be tempted to hire a local lawyer who has little experience with child abuse allegations. If you can avoid it, do not do this. Get an attorney with specialized experience. Cases involving false allegations of child abuse are complicated, especially because the crime is often one that never occurred.

What should you do if you are wrongfully accused of rape?

If you have been wrongfully accused of rape or another sexually based crime, you should immediately contact an attorney. Not only will you need assistance in clearing your name in the criminal matter, you may need help pursuing remedies against the wrongful accuser.

Do I need a solicitor for a rape case?

Secondly, a solicitor can work to bring the case to a swift conclusion. Where false accusations of rape are made, a solicitor can guide you through the police investigation, ensuring you do not accidentally damage your case.

What happens if you are falsely accused of rape?

If you are falsely accused of rape, you should contact an experienced criminal defence solicitor for help. A solicitor can represent you throughout proceedings, and will apply their expertise to establish your innocence. If you have been accused of rape, contact us now at Ashmans Solicitors.

What do you do when you are falsely accused of something?

4. What can a person do if falsely accused of a crime?hire a defense attorney,conduct a pre-file investigation,impeach the accuser,file a civil suit for malicious prosecution, and/or.take a private polygraph.

What to do when someone accuses you of false accusations?

How to Defend Yourself Against False AccusationsStay Calm. ... Hire an Attorney to Help You Fight Back. ... Gather Evidence. ... Challenge the Accuser's Credibility. ... Find Your Own Witnesses and Present Evidence of Your Side of the Story. ... Develop a Strategy in Criminal Defense Cases.More items...

What do you do when someone accuses you of something you didn't do?

What to Do If You Are Charged With a Crime That You Did Not...Realize the seriousness of the accusations. ... Understand the cost of a defense. ... Intervene before charges. ... Take no action. ... Gather any physical evidence and documents. ... Obtain witness contact information. ... Investigation. ... Plea bargain.

What is it called when someone accuses you of something you didn't do?

False Accusations—Defamation of Character by Libel or Slander.

How do I defend myself against false accusations?

These are:seek the help of a criminal defense attorney,conduct a pre-file investigation,gather evidence to support your side of the story,obtain evidence to impeach the accuser, and.take a private polygraph test.

Can I sue for false accusations?

You could sue them for libel or slander. Technically these crimes are torts rather than criminal offences so an arrest wouldn't occur.

Is false accusation a crime?

The crime of false accusation or denunciation is committed by falsely imputing to any person acts which, if they were true, would constitute a crime that would give rise to proceedings ex officio if the imputation were made before an administrative or judicial official who would be obliged to proceed to its ...

What is a false accusation called?

Whether slander or libel, a false accusation of a particularly serious crime may be considered by a court as an offense that is "actionable per se," or "defamatory per se." In other words, whether written or spoken, a false allegation against you of a serious crime, such as rape or murder, can be the basis of a ...

What's another word for falsely accused?

What is another word for false accusation?smearlibeluntruthvilificationinsultmudslingingstaintaintaffrontfalse imputation165 more rows

What do you call someone who accuses without evidence?

Delator is a professional accuser. to blame (someone) for something wrong or illegal : to say that someone is guilty of a fault or crime. Follow this answer to receive notifications. answered May 23, 2014 at 14:50.

When someone is guilty how do they react?

A guilty person will tends to have more emotionally-charged dialogue with you. "Someone harboring a guilty conscience may be quick to jump to extreme anger when questioned," therapist Dana Koonce, MA, LMFT, tells Bustle. "Because they are perceiving you as a 'threat,' fight or flight is activated.

What is it called when someone accuses you of something they are doing?

Gaslighters — people who try to control others through manipulation — will often accuse you of behaviors that they are engaged in themselves. This is a classic manipulation tactic.

What To Do If You are Falsely Accused of Rape

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How Do I Protect Myself Against False Rape Allegations?

Oftentimes those who have been falsely accused of rape become their own worst enemy. From now on, you need to watch everything you say and do. One...

How Do I Prove That I've Been Falsely Accused of Rape in Phoenix?

The faster you retain a good sex crimes lawyer, the more the lawyer can help mitigate the expenses to come. Depending on the facts surrounding the...

What happens if you are falsely accused of sexual assault?

But, when you’re falsely accused of sexual assault, you’re facing a high probability of criminal charges. And, if you’ve already been charged, you’re facing an even higher probability of conviction, unless you’re taking proactive steps to keep the case from getting out of control.

How to start a sexual assault case?

You’ll want to start by documenting your experience and/or interactions with the accuser if any. Write down as many details as possible, even if you don’t believe the details are relevant . It never hurts. If sex is involved, you’ll want testing that will help disprove allegations against you, if possible.

What is misidentification in criminal law?

Misidentification by an alleged victim. Malicious intent by the alleged victim. Even the best sexual assault criminal defense attorneys won’t claim to have seen every scenario that surrounds false sexual assault allegations.

What to do if sex is involved in a sex test?

If sex is involved, you’ll want testing that will help disprove allegations against you, if possible. There are normally tests that relate specifically to the accusation in question if the accusation comes in time. Be proactive. Show that you aren’t who the person says you are.

Do you hire a lawyer for speeding tickets?

Attorneys specialize in certain case types. Therefore, you don’t want to hire a lawyer who’s good at representing speeding tickets or custody cases, even if it’s a friend of a friend. Asking your lawyer what kind of cases like yours they have handled is ok (and even encouraged).

Can a sexual assault case be expensive?

No one wants to hear that this kind of case can be expensive, especially when the accusations of sexual assault are false. The faster you retain a good sexual assault defense lawyer, the more the lawyer can help mitigate the expenses to come. But, when you’re falsely accused of sexual assault, you’re facing a high probability of criminal charges.

What to do if a lawyer refuses to help you?

If the lawyer refuses, get another one. If you must use a public defender, try to insist on one who will listen to your questions and return your phone calls. Public defenders are often underpaid and overworked, but many are dedicated and competent. Stay involved.

What to do if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so?

So, even if your lawyer feels it is possible to argue your case without doing so, demand that she call expert witnesses who can assess interviewing techniques or discuss human suggestibility or memory distortion. In addition, convictions are won by convincing juries that you are an evil and perverted person.

What to do if you are innocent?

If you are innocent, you have nothing to be ashamed of. It is important to contact friends and family members early in the process. Tell them what happened. People tend to form opinions quickly and take sides. Do not give a statement to the police without a lawyer present.

What happens if you don't go to prison?

Even if you spend no time in prison, you will most likely be put on a sex offender registry, where you will remain for years or even for life. The conditions of your parole will limit where you can live, affect your job and educational prospects, and your family life. Your movements will be limited.

Can police lie to you during interrogation?

It is also legal for police to lie to you during interrogations, saying things like, “We have proof that you are guilty, so you might as well confess and we’ll go easy on you.”. Gather support. Organize a defense fund or, even better, find someone to do that for you.

Can a guilty verdict send you to prison?

Don’t panic. Just before trial, it hits home for many people that a guilty verdict could send them to prison for many years. If offered a plea bargain, they accept it.

What to do if you are falsely accused of rape?

If you are falsely accused of rape, you should contact an experienced criminal defence solicitor for help. A solicitor can represent you throughout proceedings, and will apply their expertise to establish your innocence.

Where do false accusations of rape go?

Where false accusations of rape are made, a solicitor can guide you through the police investigation, ensuring you do not accidentally damage your case. If the Crown Prosecution Service decides to formally lay charges, then there will be a hearing at the Magistrates’ Court, followed by a trial in the Crown Court.

What is the role of a barrister in a rape case?

A barrister will be asked to argue your case in court. The prosecution has to prove your guilt beyond reasonable doubt, and your defence team will pick their case apart to ensure this test is not satisfied. Often in rape cases it is a matter of he said/she said.

What happens if you go to court for rape?

If your case goes to court then it will be looked upon unfavourably by a judge and jury, who may view it as an indication of guilt, rather than innocence. 3.

How do rape cases unfold?

Rape cases unfold in different ways. You might be asked to attend the police station for a voluntary interview. You might be arrested and taken into custody. Or there may be an internal investigation first, such as at your university or your place of work.

Can you contact a complainant directly?

This might give you the idea of contacting the complainant directly, in the hope of resolving the matter by yourself. However, it is vital that you do not contact the complainant either directly or through a third party – be it by email, text message, telephone calls or face-to-face conversations.

Who is the complainant of rape?

It is very likely that you will know the complainant in some capacity. It could be an ex-partner, a work colleague, someone you met on a night out, or a friend or family member.

What happens when you accuse someone of rape?

Additionally, when one person accuses another of rape, tensions are likely high, and emotions run strong. Because of this, any attempt to contact the accuser could result in the situation escalating and getting out of hand, making your case worse.

What is rape in the first degree?

Rape in the first degree ( RCW 9A.44.040) When a person forces another person to engage in sexual intercourse and the perpetrator (1) uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon, (2) kidnaps the victim, inflicts serious injury, or (3) feloniously enters into a building or vehicle where the victim is situated. Class A Felony.

How many rape allegations were made in 2018?

The penalties can be very serious, but you can fight the accusation! Find out what to do in this article! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, there was a total of 734,630 self-reported allegations of rape/sexual assault in 2018. However, research shows that false allegations ...

What does an attorney do?

Your attorney will protect you against any potentially self-incriminating evidence that might be used against you in court. Additionally, know that you have the right to call a lawyer while you are at the police station, and you do not have to speak without a lawyer present. 4. Stay Away From the Alleged Victim.

What is the third degree of rape?

Rape of a child in the third degree ( RCW 9A.44.079) When a person has sexual intercourse with a minor who is at least 14 years old but less than 16 years old. Class C Felony. Five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

Can you speak to the police without representation?

Don’t Speak to the Police Without Representation. If you are questioned by the police before you have contacted an attorney or without your attorney present, do not divulge any unnecessary information. After the accusations are reported, the police are likely to try to find you as quickly as possible.

What happens if you are falsely accused of sexual assault?

But, when you’re falsely accused of sexual assault, you’re facing a high probability of criminal charges. And, if you’ve already been charged, you’re facing an even higher probability of conviction, unless you’re taking proactive steps to keep the case from getting out of control.

What to do if sex is involved in a sex test?

If sex is involved, you’ll want testing that will help disprove allegations against you, if possible. There are normally tests that relate specifically to the accusation in question, if the accusation comes in time. Be proactive. Show that you aren’t who the person says you are.

Do you hire a lawyer for speeding tickets?

Attorneys specialize in certain case types. Therefore, you don’t want to hire a lawyer who’s good at representing speeding tickets or custody cases, even if it’s a friend of a friend. Asking your lawyer what kind of cases like yours they have handled is ok (and even encouraged).

What to do if you are wrongfully accused of rape?

If you have been wrongfully accused of rape or another sexually based crime, you should immediately contact an attorney. Not only will you need assistance in clearing your name in the criminal matter, you may need help pursuing remedies against the wrongful accuser.

What happens if you report a false rape?

Still, the consequences of a false report of rape can be devastating to the life of the one accused. Often, the mere suggestion that a person has done something is enough to convict them in the court of public opinion.

Can a prosecutor side with a false accuser?

Some prosecutors side with the false-accuser even after the evidence clearly reveals that the claim is false, believing it could be an honest mistake, a difference of opinion regarding consent, or a cry for help from someone suffering in other ways at the hands of the one they wrongfully accused.

Do prosecutors want to prosecute rape victims?

Moreover, prosecutors and law enforcement do not want actual rape victims to fear possible criminal sanctions for reporting legitimate rapes if it later becomes impossible to prove the case. As a result, very few false claims are ever prosecuted criminally.

Can false statements be civil liability?

But, false statements to police, to the media, or to family and friends may give rise to civil liability.

Can you fight back if you are wrongfully accused of rape?

This can have life changing effects, lead to loss of employment opportunities, public ridicule, and emotional harm. As a result, it is usually possible for one wrongfully accused of rape to fight back.

What happens if you are falsely accused of child abuse?

When you are falsely accused of child abuse, rape, or domestic violence you are facing a high probability of criminal charges, and if you are facing criminal charges in one of these areas you are facing a very high probability of conviction unless you take strong steps to prevent the issues from getting out of hand.

Is a lawyer good at drug cases?

Attorneys good at drug cases or speeding tickets, or good at representing women in custody cases, but who you may learn the hard way will send you down the toilet because they aren’t good on the kind of case YOU have. You should begin by checking out the lawyer you are considering hiring.

Can you defend yourself from ignorance?

You can’t help defend yourself from a place of ignorance. You’ll need to educate yourself on the subject area of the allegations you are facing. When your team tells you that you need to do “A” it is important that you understand why you need to do that.

What happens if you are falsely accused of rape?

Being the subject of any criminal accusation can be incredibly stressful. If you have been falsely accused of something as serious and as damaging as sexual assault, and more particularly, the crime of rape, the consequences can be exceptionally dire.

Can you provide law enforcement with your phone?

You should not voluntarily provide law enforcement with your phone or your passcode. PRESERVE EVIDENCE / MAKE WITNESS LIST - This could be the ticket from the movie you went to or the receipt from the bar you were at the night before. Collect the clothing you were wearing and secure it in a safe place.

Can police speak to you without an attorney?

You can expect a knock at the door or a phone call. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER speak with law enforcement without an attorney present. You should firmly tell them you will not speak with them without an attorney.

Do not talk to police?

DO NOT TALK TO THE POLICE - Under no circumstances should you ever speak to law enforcement without an attorney present, and this is especially true if you have been accused of the crime of rape. DO NOT COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR ACCUSER - Do not communicate in any way.