False sex crime allegations are made for a variety of reasons including attention, sympathy, revenge, and cover-up of another crime or indiscretion. In some cases, allegations are made by a parent of a young alleged victim.
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Who Files False Allegations for Sex Crimes?
Studies show that false allegations for sex crimes like rape and sexual assault are rare, but they do exist. Accusers often make false allegations to gain attention or sympathy from other people or seek revenge against the alleged perpetrator out of anger. In many cases, false accusers are teenage girls who use the allegation as a way to avoid getting in trouble with their parents for something trivial like coming home late for a curfew or disobeying household rules. In cases involving young girls, studies show that it’s often the parents who file false allegations because they believe the story that their daughter has told them.
Mental illness also plays a role in false sexual allegations seen by many sex crime attorneys. Studies show that false reports of rape and sexual assault are often filed by people under psychiatric care or on psychiatric medications for mental illness. Many of these accusers have a previous history of bizarre behaviors, fabricated stories, and charges of criminal fraud. They are often unstable and involved in some type of criminal behavior themselves that are supported by family members and their circle of friends and associates.
The Consequences of False Allegations
Sex crime allegations are not taken lightly by law enforcement. When accusations are made, law enforcement officials take them seriously and devote extensive resources to claim investigations. If they feel like they have a case, the alleged perpetrator will likely face criminal prosecution. Even when allegations are false, an alleged perpetrator is at risk of severe penalties if convicted of the crime.
In many cases of false sex crimes, charges are dropped, but accusers face defamation lawsuits by their alleged perpetrators. Recently, a Minnesota law professor filed a defamation lawsuit, because his tarnished name and reputation led to consequences for his teaching position at a prestigious Minnesota university. When false accusations are made, it’s essential to understand legal rights and the potential consequences of the allegations through a sex crime attorney, even if the allegations are dropped.
