How to Handle False Allegations of a Child Sex Offense

Have you or a loved one been falsely accused of online solicitation or another child sex crime?

What you should do if falsely accused of a child sex crime

First, if you’re facing a false claim of a child sex offense, start by engaging an experienced defense lawyer in your area who has helped dispute such charges in many other cases similar to yours.

You cannot simply trust that a false claim will not prevail in court. Even false claims can leave a stain on your reputation and job status, so they must be dealt with immediately without waiting for a trial—a trial that may or may not resolve the matter in your favor.

Most folks who don’t have any legal training or education cannot understand how charges can be brought just based on the word of a complainant. However, this is particularly so in cases involving child sex abuse.

Under Texas law, the allegations and testimony of a complainant are considered evidence. And if the jury believes the complainant, the evidence can be sufficient to convict the defendant of a serious felony offense such as sexual assault of a child.

Of course, the problem is that humans are not perfect lie detectors, and it takes an aggressive and experienced child sex crimes attorney to show them the complainant cannot be trusted.

After engaging your attorney, work with them to gather evidence, list witnesses and prepare your legal defense.

Also, while your case is being resolved, avoid being present around any children without another adult in the vicinity. If you’re a scout leader, coach, daycare worker, babysitter, teacher or anyone else who frequently interacts with children, try to have another adult present to avoid any further false claims of child sex abuse or inappropriate contact.

What you should NOT do if falsely accused of a child sex crime

If you were falsely accused of a child sex offense or other sex crime, there are things you shouldn’t do.

• Don’t inflict any form of physical or emotional stress on your own children or other children around you, even if you deem it a fitting punishment for poor behavior. Avoid doing anything that could be interpreted by others as being abusive toward children.
• Don’t make any statements or post any photos online regarding your relationships with any children or your response to a child sex offense accusation. It’s even best to avoid speaking privately to a friend about your case since what you say could be repeated (and altered in the process) and wind up hurting your defense.
• Don’t engage in any activities with children that could place you under further suspicion. This might include going with a child into a bathroom, bathing a child or helping a child change clothes. It’s best to let a spouse or other trusted person perform such duties until your case is resolved.
• Don’t lose your temper when interacting with police, child protective agencies or others who are involved in your case. No matter how upsetting the false allegations of a child sex offense may be, you must not give others a reason to suspect that you may be guilty due to an outburst of anger. Try to remain as calm as you can, and never hesitate to refer people to your attorney for answers.
• Don’t admit to any act that you didn’t do or any statement that you didn’t make, even if it seems to be the easiest course. Once you admit to one thing, it may be harder to deny other things you didn’t do.

The motives behind false child sex crime accusers

Victims of false sex offense allegations deserve justice, too

The trending #MeToo movement has targeted a culture of sexual assault and sexual harassment, especially in the workplace, which has led to a dramatic increase in reports of sex crimes.

While the majority of these reports might be accurate, the massive number of total claims in today’s heated political climate could mean that more adults who are falsely accused have their voices drowned out and lost in the tumult of the well-intentioned #MeToo movement.

In effect, it has become easier and more widespread for false sex crime claims to be made. Though most claims may have a strong basis, that doesn’t mean those who are falsely accused of sex crimes toward children don’t also deserve justice.

In truth, it’s unusual for a sex crime claim to be false. According to studies by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, false reports of sexual assaults comprise just 2 to 10% of all sexual assault claims.

But even if 90% or more of claims are true, the 10% of people falsely accused of a child sex offense or other sex crime still deserve their own justice—as do others caught in the crossfire of #MeToo and related movements.

In fact, there’s a growing number of lawsuits against colleges or universities by accused students over poorly handled claims of sexual assaults. In your case, a false claim of child sex abuse could even be the basis for your own lawsuit against the claimant for defamation.

Were you falsely accused of a child sex crime in Houston? Get your case reviewed.

Whatever the case, you need knowledgeable and experienced legal representation. You need veteran Houston criminal defense attorney Neal Davis. Contact the Neal Davis Law Firm today for a confidential legal review of your case.

With our help, a false claim made against you can be exposed for what it truly is: a lie.