There are several reasons behind a false accusation of sexual assault against a person. In some cases, it might take months for the final verdict to come in favor of the person concerned. However, regardless of the reason, it is true that the accused person faces devastating consequences and social stigma.
So, what if you have been falsely accused of sexual assault? Is there a way you can defend yourself? Well, yes. You need to connect with professional criminal law firms Sydney. But is it the best way to defend yourself? Read on to know more.
Criminal Lawyers can Help You Lawfully
In Sydney, Under Section 61I of the Crimes Act, if a person commits a crime of sexual assault and turns out to be guilty, they can get imprisonment for 14-20 years.
On the other hand, there are dire consequences if proven guilty of false accusations. Section 314 of the Crimes Act 1900 declares that a false accusation is a crime, and if proved guilty, one can face up to 7 years of imprisonment.
So, if you think that you have been falsely accused of sexual misconduct or intercourse, you must connect with a professional lawyer. Believe it or not, it will be the best thing you can do to save yourself from harassment.
Never Ignore the Accusations
It is justified to be frustrated and confused when you haven’t committed a crime but are still accused of it. In many cases, the defendant thinks that simply ignoring the charges might help them. Or, sometimes, they choose to disappear, knowing they are innocent.
However, you must understand that neither of the two is a wise thing to do when there is an assault charge on you. Because when you do that, in the eyes of the law, you seem like a fugitive. Worst of all, it can leave lifelong consequences for you. So, if you want to defend yourself, the best thing to do is stay silent. Hire a professional criminal lawyer and let them do the talking.
Abstain from making Defensive Comments to the Police
When you know you are wrongfully accused of a crime you didn’t commit, it is natural to try and explain your case. The police might summon you for interrogation. In such tense situations, you will feel the urge to speak for yourself. But, understand that any defensive statement before a court verdict always weighs heavy on the accused person. So, you are likely to only make things worse by trying to defend your story.
Remember not to –
- Describe the event with a friend, no matter close or far.
- Post the incident on social media platforms.
- Connect with the accuser to change their mind.
Remember that every line you speak takes the case away from you. Therefore, only trust and talk with your lawyer. Share everything with them to help yourself out of the mess.
Wrapping Up
Did you know that around 50% of people who pleaded guilty to making false accusation cases between 2018-19 were sentenced to imprisonment? Also, of the 355,935 child abuse and assault cases made between 2015-16, only 60,989 were genuine.
These stats prove how searching for criminal law firms in Sydney can save you from a fake accusation. With average charges of $300 to $800 per hour, don’t you think hiring a lawyer is the best way?
