What Do I Do If I Am Wrongly Accused of Sexual Assault?

Being accused of any crime is stressful and a difficult time, not just for you, but also for your family members. This is what you should do if you are falsely accused of sexual assault.

This advice below holds true whether you are guilty or innocent, and if you are accused of any serious crime:

1. Do not make any statements to the police or to anyone else. Do not discuss the case, do not tell your friends, and do not talk to the bartender.
2. Talk to your lawyer. The only person you want to talk to about your case is your lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, then you need to find and hire one as soon as possible.
3. Follow your lawyer’s instructions. Your lawyer works for you and is going to defend you in court. Your lawyer knows much more than you about how the justice system works, and what you should expect.
4. Spend some time going back over some dates and times in your mind when you are being accused of wrongdoing. Take notes, and try to remember where you were and who you were with. Your lawyer may be able to use some of this information to defend you.

Your lawyer is the one person who will do absolutely everything to get your case dismissed if that’s possible or to defend you if it goes to trial.

You don’t want to do anything that could jeopardize your freedom. Sexual assault charges are ugly. They damage reputations and can ruin lives. What you should do first, last, and in between, is listen to your lawyer. Help your lawyer to help you.

Gagan Nahal is a criminal defence lawyer based in Surrey, British Columbia, although he has represented clients across Canada. He works vigorously and tirelessly defending his clients.

If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to Mr. Nahal, please call him directly at (604) 527-4769.