Sexual assault charges are awful to face. Even without a conviction, your reputation can be ruined.
However, it is not unusual for someone to be wrongfully accused of sexual assault. With potential legal and non-legal consequences that come with a sexual assault charge, it is important that you figure out how to defend yourself against false sexual assault allegations. But, to effectively defend yourself, you must start by understanding the motives of your accuser.
Here are some of the reasons why someone may falsely accuse you of sexual assault.
Mistaken identity
Mistaken identity occurs when the sexual assault victim, or witness, wrongfully identifies someone as the perpetrator of the crime in question even though the accused person is innocent. This is a very common problem, especially if the alleged assault happened when the victim was intoxicated or if it happened in a poorly lit area. If you believe yours is a case of mistaken identity, it is important that you defend yourself. One of the defense strategies you can use in your defense is to call up an alibi or provide GPS data of your actual location at the time of the alleged crime.
Personal Motives
Sometimes, someone may accuse you of sexual assault for personal gain. This is common if the alleged victim had prior romantic relations with the alleged perpetrator. For instance, an estranged spouse may file a false sexual assault claim to gain an upper hand during divorce and child custody hearings. In this case, it is important that the accused person gather evidence to prove that their accuser has selfish motives. This can be in the form of CCTV footage or eyewitness statements.
A sexual assault accusation can turn your life upside down. If you have been falsely accused of sexual assault, it is important that you establish your accuser’s motives. This way, you will be able to come up with an effective defense strategy for your case.