Sex crime investigations are kicked off for many reasons. One of those is, of course, that a criminal sex act actually occurred. Unfortunately, there are many other reasons that innocent people find themselves facing false accusations of a sex offense.
Often at the top of the list of reasons is regret: a consensual sex act turns into a sex crime investigation because one person regrets his or her involvement with another. The regrets may stem from infidelity issues – the accuser has a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife whom they don’t want to know about their wandering ways. Or regrets that lead to false accusations may stem from a desire to cover up a casual sexual encounter.
Regardless of the reason for the regrets, you should not be forced to pay criminally for a non-criminal act. Your side of the story is just as important as your accuser’s and you should find a sex crimes defense lawyer who is willing to listen and willing to fight for your rights.
Another scenario that can lead to false accusations of a sex offense and allegations of domestic violence is a child custody dispute. Proving that one parent has a tendency toward violence or securing a conviction on a sexual assault, indecent liberties or child pornography charge can tip the scales in a child custody or divorce dispute and unfortunately that leads to false accusations.
Last but not least, financial motivations can come into play with sex offense accusations. Whether an individual is attempting to extort money for silence or an employee is threatening to press charges against an employer or supervisor after consensual contact unless he or she is paid off, money can serve as the motivating factor in misconstruing a consensual sexual act as criminal.
Whatever the reason your accuser has decided to falsely accuse you of a sex crime, you need a strong defense strategy to fight any charges, any potential penalties and the stigma that often goes along with simply being accused – not convicted – of a sex-based offense.
Learn more about the consequences of a sex offense conviction: What Can You Expect If Convicted Of An NC Sex Offense?