Today, a false accusation of sexual assault can lead to serious, wide-ranging consequences. It doesn’t just affect your legal situation but can damage your career, limit future employment opportunities, disrupt volunteer work, and hinder educational goals. Personal relationships can be impacted, and in some cases, even your ability to parent your children may be at risk.
If you find yourself in this situation, staying calm and taking the appropriate steps to protect your rights and build a strong defence is key. When facing false accusations, here’s what you need to know and how a criminal defence lawyer in Calgary, like Batting, Wyman Barristers can help.
Types of Sexual Assault
An act of sexual assault is any unwanted sexual nature imposed on the victim without their consent, including:
- Touching
- Kissing
- Anal penetration
- Vaginal penetration
- Oral sex
7 Important Tips When Facing Sexual Assault Allegations
1. Remain Calm and Composed
The first and most important thing to do if you are falsely accused is to stay calm. While this may be easier said than done, remaining composed will help you make clear-headed decisions. Panicking or reacting impulsively could harm your case. Do not engage in any confrontations with the accuser or discuss the matter with others, as this could make things worse.
2. Seek Legal Counsel Immediately
Once accused, your first step should be to contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Calgary who specializes in sexual assault cases. Your lawyer will be your advocate and guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected. They will help you understand the allegations, the evidence against you, and your legal options, providing you with the reassurance and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Without proper legal representation, you may unintentionally say or do something that could be used against you in court. It’s crucial to have a knowledgeable defence lawyer who can navigate the complexities of sexual assault charges and develop a solid strategy tailored to your situation.
3. Avoid Contact with the Accuser
It’s essential to avoid all contact with the person accusing you of sexual assault. This includes avoiding in-person contact, phone calls, text messages, social media interactions, or having mutual friends relay messages. Any attempt to contact the accuser could be misinterpreted as harassment or intimidation, which could further harm your case.
4. Document Everything
In defending against false accusations, it’s important to collect and document as much relevant information as possible. This could include:
- Text messages, emails, or social media conversations between you and the accuser.
- Witnesses who can verify your whereabouts or character.
- Any physical evidence that may help to disprove the allegations.
Gathering and preserving this information will help your lawyer build a strong case on your behalf. It’s important to share every detail with your lawyer, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
5. Understand the Legal Process
In Canada, sexual assault is treated as a serious criminal offence. If you are falsely accused, you may be arrested or required to participate in police interviews. It is vital that you do not speak to the police without your lawyer present. Anything you say could be used against you later in court, even if you believe you are simply explaining your side of the story.
A criminal defence lawyer like Batting, Wyman Barristers will protect your rights during any interactions with law enforcement and help you navigate through investigations, bail hearings, and court appearances.
6. Prepare for the Long Haul
Defending against a false sexual assault accusation can take time, and the legal process may feel overwhelming. However, you can effectively fight the charges with a strong defence strategy and proper legal representation. It is important to remain patient and trust your lawyer’s advice throughout the process.
A good defence lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances, challenge the credibility of the accuser, and work tirelessly to ensure that your side of the story is heard.
7. Seek Emotional Support
Being accused of sexual assault is emotionally taxing, especially if the allegations are false. It’s important to have a support system in place to help you through this challenging time. Trusted friends, family members, or a professional therapist can provide the emotional strength needed to cope with the stress and anxiety.
When to Hire a Sexual Assault Lawyer in Calgary
Facing a false accusation of sexual assault can be incredibly frightening, but taking the proper steps can make all the difference in defending your innocence. If you’ve been falsely accused, the most important thing you can do is seek immediate legal help from experienced criminal defence lawyers like Batting, Wyman Barristers in Calgary.
The most significant component of our practice is the defence of individuals charged with sexual offences. Getting professional legal advice as soon as possible is essential, especially if you must make bail as the first defence step.
We offer a free 30-minute consultation. Give us a call at 403-263-4949. We are available 24/7 if you need assistance.
Disclaimer: Blog posts from Batting, Wyman Barristers are for general information only. The content should not be considered legal advice. If you are in need of professional legal advice, please Book a free 30-minute consultation.
