If you are accused of committing sexual assault and you know that those accusations are wrong, that does not really matter. You still need to address the charges against you and defend yourself. This can be a scary experience and it is not something that you should have to go through on your own. Instead, you should hire a Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can help you build a defense and protect your rights.
Why Would Someone Accuse Me of Sexual Assault?
There are many reasons why someone could accuse you of sexual assault. It could be an ill-conceived revenge plan, or it could be a simple case of mistaken identity. Whatever the reason may be, you need to fight back against any accusations with everything that you have. The penalties for sexual assault can be severe, so it’s time to start forming your defensive strategy.
Should I Tell the Cops My Side of the Story?
You might be tempted to talk to the cops after you are wrongly accused of sexual assault. You did nothing wrong, so nothing bad can come out of the interview, right?
We do not recommend doing this. The cops are not on your side. They are just trying to close a case and anything that you say can be used against you. Even if you are falsely accused, saying the wrong things can make it easier for them to build their case.
Instead, exercise your Fifth Amendment right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. Stay silent and ask for your attorney. Then your lawyer can communicate for you, reducing your chances of giving the cops anything that could make these sexual assault charges stick.
Do I Need a Lawyer When Charged With Sexual Assault?
You are allowed to defend yourself from these false accusations, but we do not recommend it. The first thing you should know is that the penalties for sexual assault can be quite severe. A jail sentence is a likely outcome. Do you want to take your chances on that?
You should also know that the conviction of some crimes could result in you being forced to put yourself on the list of registered sex offenders. A false accusation of sexual assault can follow you around for life, so you want to make sure that you have a lawyer on your side who could help you defend yourself and make it more likely that charges will be dismissed.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Sexual Assault?
A false accusation of sexual assault and a conviction can be ruinous. You could end up in jail for decades or on the hook for fines in excess of $100,000! This is why we suggest hiring a lawyer who is used to defending people from these kinds of charges.
Talk to our Lawyers Today
Now that you know how important it is to have legal representation, contact the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi. Schedule a consultation with our team and learn more about what we can do to assist you in this trying time.