Child abuse is an egregious and heinous crime, and those who perpetrate it can face intense sentences for their actions. However, when you are falsely accused of these acts, it can be devastating. As such, it’s imperative to understand how to proceed during these times to protect yourself from untrue allegations. The following blog explores why these false claims happen, the potential defenses that may apply to your circumstances, and why you need a Cobb County criminal defense lawyer to represent you during these troubling times.
Why Do False Allegations of Child Abuse Happen?
Generally, when someone makes an allegation of child abuse, it is done out of pure concern for the child allegedly involved. However, if they do not have the correct information or have been manipulated, the allegations raised can be unfounded. Since these are made out of concern for the child, they are referred to as “good faith allegations.”
However, when someone intentionally and knowingly accuses another person of child abuse as a means to negatively impact their life, this is called a “bad faith allegation.” Unfortunately, these are common in divorces where child custody is involved. The parent looking to receive full custody may claim their partner was abusive to the child. They may even coach the child into making the claims themselves.
What Potential Defenses Can I Use?
When false allegations of a crime like child abuse are raised against you, understanding what potential defenses may apply to your circumstances is critical. Generally, you’ll want to discuss the circumstances with an attorney so they can employ the best option for you.
The first defense many use is to question the credibility of the witness. In the event a child is raising the accusations, looking for inconsistencies in their story or signs of rehearsing the claims can help. Similarly, if you are in the middle of a custody battle, gathering evidence from your ex that shows they threatened you can help question the credibility of these statements.
Also, you may have an alibi for the alleged incident. For example, plane tickets may confirm you were out of town, or you may have been at an after-work event that can be corroborated by co-workers.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer?
You should contact a lawyer regarding the allegations from the moment you discover them, whether you are arrested or find a post on social media falsely accusing you. An attorney will walk with you every step of the way to ensure you don’t make errors that could impact the outcome of your case.
When you are facing false accusations of a crime like child abuse, it is imperative to connect with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Miller Law Practice, LLC, we understand the devastating impact these claims can have on your life, which is why our team is dedicated to doing everything possible to help prove these are unfounded. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through these complex times.