Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

How to Respond if You are Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime

In May, a Natick man was arrested in his home and charged with enticing a child under the age of 16. This arrest is the result of a video in which the man was confronted by a vigilante group that targets Massachusetts sex predators. The group, called Predator Poacher Massachusetts, proceeded to post a video on YouTube of the confrontation in which the group alleges that Brown tried to meet a 14-year-old child.

Not all sex crime accusations in Massachusetts are legitimate. False reports of sex crimes are not uncommon. A review of research by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center found that false reporting makes up anywhere between 2% to 10% of claims.

If you are falsely accused of a sex crime in Massachusetts, you might not be sure about how to proceed. The following reviews some important things to do if you are falsely accused of a sex crime.

Take the Allegation Seriously

It is critical to understand that you have been charged with a serious offense, and a conviction would result in substantial penalties. Unfortunately, many people who are falsely charged with sex crimes discover that this has an impact on their reputation in the community. This can substantially impact a person’s career and lifestyle. You cannot afford to be dismissive about these charges or take them lightly.

Avoid Making Statements to Anyone

If you have been falsely accused of a sex crime, it can be tempting to tell everyone that you meet that you are innocent. This is a bad idea. Instead, it is better to resist the urge to comment on your situation at all. You should abstain from engaging in discussions or making any statements about your involvement. Saying nothing is simply the best way to protect yourself, even if you are concerned that this might make others think you have something to hide.

Teach Yourself About Sex Crimes

Although your attorney will likely do a lot of the heavy lifting, you should still educate yourself on the legal process and what you might expect if your case goes to court. It is important that you be fully involved in your defense and that you make decisions based on knowledge rather than on gut instinct. 

That does not mean you should assume you know more than your attorney does; it simply means that you should take an active role and be able to provide information that could help your defense team obtain a favorable outcome.

Do Not Go it Alone

If you are facing a sex crime charge, you will almost certainly need the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The best lawyers can help explain your rights as well as create a strong defense strategy. The sooner you involve a lawyer with your case, the more likely that you are to see a positive outcome.

Speak with an Experienced Sex Crimes Lawyer

If you have been falsely accused of a sex crime in Massachusetts, you cannot rely on the criminal justice system to show you are not guilty. Instead, you should promptly retain the assistance of an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney. Contact attorney Edward Molari today.