Whether you are falsely accused of sexual assault by your current spouse, former partner, someone you dated for a brief period or a person you have barely interacted with, it is essential to understand how these allegations could disrupt your life. Unfortunately, if someone’s lies or false memories lead to these serious charges, you could have difficulty proving your innocence and defending yourself due to the harsh stigma surrounding these cases, even if you did not do anything wrong.
In Virginia, these accusations can lead to devastating consequences.
The aftermath of sexual assault charges
According to the Code of Virginia, sexual assault charges can lead to years behind bars. If accused of this offense, various factors could impact the amount of time you face in prison, such as the age of the person alleging abuse and previous convictions. Depending on the details surrounding your case, you could face five years behind bars or life imprisonment.
In addition to the penalties the court imposes, this case could permanently tarnish your reputation, derail your career and haunt you throughout your life.
Handling a sexual assault case
If you find yourself in this position, you may find little support from others, and even friends and family members could turn against you. However, it is vital to stay focused and prevent negative emotions from interfering with your approach to this situation. Working through a sexual assault case can generate considerable anxiety and even anger, but it is crucial to gather evidence and do all you can to prevent false claims from destroying your life.
