6 January, 2020
Sex crimes are the worst kinds of crimes. But it’s even worse when an innocent is falsely accused of such charges. The punishment by law is one thing, but the embarrassment one has to face is worse than jail time. Almost all of such cases are filed against men. Strict laws were created to control rapes and sexual abuses committed against women. It’s a good thing, and everyone should feel safe, but it became a problem when people started misusing their rights.
No one will ask whether you did the crime or not if a woman accused you of sexual assault. The stereotypes in our society define men as violent and sexual predators. While we can’t deny that many sick people do commit such crimes, many women use their right as a weapon to get back to someone or have people fired from their jobs. Even one’s own family starts to judge if someone accuses you of rape. People start talking behind your back, they don’t become your friends, and employers don’t prefer you for jobs.
Such cases are very serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly at any cost. The court can sentence one up to 30 years in prison if found guilty. If you don’t properly defend yourself, you may have to face punishment for a crime you didn’t commit. Remember that judges and jury can only decide based on evidence and arguments. You have to prepare yourself in order to face these charges in front of the jury and the world. Every man should know what these sex crimes are and, if you are ever accused, how to deal with them.
What are Sex Crimes?
Rape isn’t the only sex crime. It has several forms, each with its own punishment and all of them are enough to sabotage your respect in society. Below I’ve discussed all types of sex charges one might face and how they work.
Aggravated Sexual Assault
In short words, it is rape. FBI defines rape as unconsented vaginal or anal penetration by a body or an object. Oral penetration with a sex organ is also counted as rape. It’s considered the second most serious type of sex crime with a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.
Statutory Rape
The worst sex crime with strictest punishment is statutory rape. Aggravated Sexual Assault committed against a minor is called statutory rape. The criminal can be sentenced up to 30 years in prison if found guilty.
Molestation Crimes
Molestation is a sex crime of lower degree compared to rape as it doesn’t involve any penetration. If a man or woman gropes, kisses, or inappropriately touches another person without prior consent, it will be considered molestation.
Sexual Assault of a Child
A person can be charged with a crime if he/she ever inappropriately touched a minor with or without the consent. Only parents have the right to touch their kids, but they can also be held accountable if the actions are done with the wrong intent.
Possession of Child Pornography
Making or watching child pornography is a serious crime that is condemned in every part of the world. If a person is found in possession of child pornography, he/she will be considered a pedophile who supports such ugly practices.
Sex Offender Registration Violations
People who have already been reported as sex offenders have to follow a list of rules. For example, in some states, they are required to inform their neighbors that they have served as a sex offender. If they fail to do so.
Internet or Attempted Sex Crimes
Posting personal or elude photo of someone, even edited ones, is a sex crime. Furthermore, trying to rape someone is also considered just as serious as rape.
What Not to Do:
Now that you understand the seriousness of this issue, you should also know all the dos and don’ts. Making rash decisions and actions can strengthen the case against you. Here are a few things you must avoid if charged with a sex crime.
Confront Accuser
The anger is understandable when you are falsely accused. However, it will only make things difficult for you. The accuser definitely wanted to disturb your peace. By getting angry and confronting her, you will be falling right into the trap. It will be considered a threat to a victim to back off from the case. It won’t be easy to define this action in the court. Besides, it’s difficult to see an angry man as a victim.
Talk to Police
When you are arrested or investigated, police will do its best to get you to confess. They are professionals and know how to get their desired answers. There could be trick questions to get something to help them in the case. You have the right if you don’t want to answer questions and that’s exactly what you need to do until you have a trusted lawyer by your side.
Become Your Own Lawyer
Many over-smart people think they can defend themselves better than lawyers. Even if you know the law and you’re smart, you are being seen as a criminal in the court. Besides, it would be difficult to control your emotions when it’s a personal issue. Your words won’t be smart nor strong. It’s important that you get yourself a good lawyer.
Steam Off on Social Media
Social media has given every individual the power to share their story. This freedom of speech can turn on you when dealing with a case as sensitive as this one. You’ll be angry and you most probably use social media websites; however, you must NOT take this anger out through social media. Anything you say on social media is recorded and could be used against you.
What You Should Do?
If you understand the things you shouldn’t do, here a few things you must do to ensure you remain innocent and out of prison. Following these tips will strengthen your case.
Keep Calm
You are likely to lose your mind as soon as you hear about the charges. You might also hear your social group talking about it. There will also be people who might judge and verbally abuse you. However, you must keep calm and think of the way out before you answer anything to anyone. Our mind doesn’t work the right way when any feeling dominates us.
Hire a Lawyer
You need to find an experienced and trustworthy lawyer who can defend your case. It is suggested to prefer a Sex Traffiking Attorney who has dealt with such cases in the past. They will tell you everything you should avoid and prepare you for the court. An attorney will ensure that none of your rights are violated and that police doesn’t get you to say something in the investigation that can be used against you.
Look for Evidence
Only when you are calm will you be able to see things subjectively. Try to understand the broader picture and look for the points that can be used as your defense. Share the complete story with your attorney and try to close the matter as soon as possible.
Think Why Were You Accused?
If you want to prove that accuser is lying, you will also need to give a reason why he/she is lying. It will help your case if the reason is strong. If you know the accuser, you would know what led them to this point. Here are some of the most common reasons people are accused of a false sex crime.
Blackmail
It wouldn’t be the first time if a man is being accused of sexual abuse so he can be blackmailed. If you know the intentions of the accuser, try to record his/her demands. This will work as evidence in the court to prove that you didn’t do anything wrong and that the accuser is doing it to blackmail you.
Revenge
It is possible that you may have hurt someone and the allegations are a way to get back to you. This could be an employee you who you might have fired. It is also common for former girlfriends or boyfriends to drag their partners like this. If this is the case, recall your life with that partner and how you broke up. This could tell the court why they would want to hurt you.
Shame
As bizarre as it may sound, many women have been found to accuse men of rape because they were ashamed of what happened. Such a thing may be a bit difficult to prove than the previous reasons discussed, but you shouldn’t worry if you are on the right.
False Identification
There is a possibility that accuser may not have seen the culprit properly and blamed you in desperation. If a woman was in fact abused, she could be in a delicate mental state where she just wants to do something about what happened to her. You will have to prove somehow that she has mistaken you for someone else.
I'm Harry Wilson, a senior digital marketing consultant at Globex Outreach. Writing is my part-time hobby because I get to share my experience with the world. Professionally, I help map out a flawless digital marketing plan for the clients at my firm.