You would never think about engaging in sexual activity with another person without their consent, yet still, you somehow find yourself facing an accusation of sexual assault. Unfortunately, this scenario is far from uncommon in today’s day and age. That being said, if you believe you’re being wrongfully accused of sexual assault, our firm is here to help. Continue reading and contact a Red Bluff criminal lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law to learn more about what we can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What steps should I take if I’m wrongfully accused of sexual assault in California?
The first thing you should do if you are wrongfully accused of sexual assault is to remain calm and avoid any contact with the accuser or the police. Do not try to explain your side of the story, apologize, or make any statements that could be used against you later. Anything you say or do could be twisted or taken out of context by the prosecution. You have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during any questioning.
The second thing you should do is to contact a California criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, protect you from false allegations, and help you build a strong defense. A lawyer can also help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and challenge the credibility of the accuser, as often, people will entirely fabricate allegations of sexual assault either for attention, out of jealousy, or even as grounds to file a civil lawsuit. You need a competent attorney in your corner who can effectively negotiate with the prosecution, work to have your charges dismissed, or, if necessary, take your case to trial.
What are the best defenses against accusations of nonconsensual sexual activity?
Of course, the defense we use will depend largely on the unique specifics of your case. However, some of the strongest defenses against sexual assault charges can include the following:
- You were falsely accused: Proving that an allegation of sexual assault is entirely unfounded or untrue is the best defense.
- You have a valid alibi: If you can prove that you were somewhere else when the incident occurred, you should be exonerated.
- You had consent: Often, accusors will try and claim that they engaged in sexual activity without consent, but in truth, the activity was, in fact, consensual. This can be difficult to prove at times, but certain key pieces of evidence can go a long way, such as phone records.
The bottom line is that if you’re accused of sexual assault, you need a competent attorney in your corner who can effectively fight for your future and freedom. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Contact Cohen Criminal Law today so we can get started working on your case.
