Entrepreneurs have a long road to traverse when it comes to achieving their business goals. If you have the vision to start a venture, expect the to-do lists to be endless. Every step is daunting, from procuring funds to coming up with a viable business plan, building a dream team, and getting your venture off the mark. Moreover, you have to consolidate and protect your personal reputation down the line. It is easier said than done as you may encounter several roadmaps down the line.
Competitors, disgruntled employees, and jealous people may try their best to tarnish your name in one way or the other. Not surprisingly, aspiring entrepreneurs often face false sex crime charges at some point. Luckily, you can save your reputation if you have a plan to deal with such accusations. Here are some ways to defend your name and reputation in such a critical situation.
Take the accusation seriously
It may be easy to overlook sex crime charges when you have countless other things to manage as an entrepreneur. But assuming you will not get into a problem only because you are innocent can land you in deep trouble. Your accusers may build a solid case with false evidence and fake publicity. Even if you manage to prove your innocence later, your reputation may take a severe hit. Moreover, the legal penalties and social stigma of a sex crime can be hefty. The last thing you should do is take these accusations lightly or be dismissive about them..
Stay calm
While it is crucial to take the sex crime charges seriously, you must not lose your cool over the situation. The accusation can cause stress because your business and reputation are at stake. But do not let it cloud your common sense and logic. Staying calm is the key to handling the situation and planning a way out of the crisis. Pay attention to the charges and try to understand the accuser’s intentions behind framing you. It will be easy to create a viable comeback strategy if you have a cool mind and level head.
Build legal defense
You may be innocent, but sex crime is serious enough to get you behind bars if you do not have a defense plan to establish your innocence. You must talk to a sex crime attorney sooner than later. Explain the entire situation with details about the accuser, the probable reasons behind the accusations, and the chain of events that led to it. Delaying a consultation with a legal professional can aggravate the situation. Be sure to do it on top priority, no matter how busy you are.
Be cautious during police statement
Every accused person has the right to remain silent during the questioning by the police. Remember to use this right and be cautious during the interrogation. Anything you say can go against you as evidence in court. The officers will do their best to coerce you or get a statement from you during questioning. Demand your right to speak with your lawyer before answering any questions. Listen to the advice of the legal professional before making any statements. Also, be careful about anything you say in public.
According to a leading legal expert from Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center at the Benjamin Law Firm, even if you are stopped by the police while driving and are being accused of drunk driving charges, you need to ask for a legal counsel immediately. Do not say or accept anything until your lawyer arrives. The police and lawyers from the opposing party might try to confuse you with a series of complex questions. When you answer them, you will end up admitting to the charges they are accusing you of.
Protect your image
Protecting your public image is vital to safeguarding your reputation in the social circles and business landscape. You must steer clear of posting anything about the allegation on social media or sharing a statement with the press. As an entrepreneur, you will probably have public standing. It means you must be extra conscious about your image. Silence is the best way to defend your name and reputation. Let your lawyer do the rest.
Skip confronting the accuser directly
Being accused of a sex crime is shocking, and you will probably want to clear things directly with the accuser. But it is the last thing you should do because they may report the confrontation to the authorities. Moreover, it can work against you in court later when the case goes for a hearing. Rather than connecting with the accuser, try to dig deeper and get evidence and witnesses to work in your favor. It is best to let your attorney handle the negotiations and talks with the other party.
Facing a sex crime allegation as an entrepreneur is a serious matter. It can affect your reputation and business prospects in the long run. Fortunately, you can do your bit to salvage your name and get out of the problem. Everything boils down to finding a criminal defense lawyer you can rely on.
