What to Do if You are Falsely Accused of Child Molestation
Child molestation is an emotionally charged crime that sparks public anger and cries for justice. The anger stems from growing public awareness of how personally devastating sexual abuse can be to children. Reaction is often swift and decisive to keep our children safe.
In many states, professionals like teachers, social workers and healthcare providers are mandated to report suspicions of child abuse to authorities or face penalties for failing to do so. But there are also penalties for making false reports of child molestation or abuse.
What a false accusation means
In a bitter divorce, one spouse could falsely accuse the other of child molestation or sexual abuse to gain the upper hand in a child custody dispute. The motivation could also be hatred of a particular individual like a coworker. There are also instances where disturbed children falsely accuse adults of abusing them because they know it will get those adults in trouble.
An innocent person accused of such a heinous crime could face a lifetime of negative repercussions including the following:
- Significant prison sentences
- Penalties and fines
- Being listed on the sex offender registry
- Loss of professional licenses
- Life-long social stigma
Child molestation is a serious offense
Since law enforcement authorities are trained to take child molestation allegations seriously, an innocent life can be reduced to ruins by the lies of an angry spouse, unscrupulous person, or child with behavioral problems.
If you are falsely accused of any sexual crime, you must obtain the help of a compassionate, skillful criminal defense attorney whose practice includes child molestation, pedophilia, and sexual abuse defense.
