Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime: What Next?

Can You Be Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Ohio? How to Protect Yourself

False accusations of sexual misconduct can happen to anyone—and the impact can be devastating. In Ohio, even a single allegation can lead to arrest, felony charges, and a lifetime of consequences. If you believe someone has made a false claim against you—or you fear one might be coming—it’s essential to act quickly. A skilled sex offense lawyer in Toledo, Ohio can protect your rights, reputation, and future.

I have had clients ask "they can charge me just based on someone's word?" Yes they can. This is how many false allegations begin.

False Sex Crime Allegations Are More Common Than You Think

While most reports of sexual offenses are legitimate, false accusations do happen—and for a variety of reasons:

• Custody or divorce disputes
• Revenge or retaliation
• Regret after consensual activity
• Pressure from peers, parents, or authorities
• Mental health or memory issues
• Mistaken identity or misinterpretation

False allegations don’t need physical evidence to result in serious felony charges. In many cases, it’s your word against the accuser’s—unless you have an experienced sex crime defense attorney fighting for your side.

What Happens When You’re Falsely Accused

Once an allegation is made, police will open an investigation—often without your knowledge. You may be contacted for questioning, served a search warrant, or even arrested.

Being falsely accused means you are at risk of:

• Felony charges (e.g., rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor)
• Mandatory sex offender registration
• Damage to your career, reputation, and relationships
• Public exposure

Do not wait to speak with a criminal lawyer if you suspect a false accusation is being made or investigated.

How a Sex Offense Lawyer Can Help Fight False Allegations

A knowledgeable defense lawyer will act quickly to:

• Investigate the accuser’s background and credibility
• Gather witness statements, digital communications, and surveillance
• Challenge inconsistencies in the accusation
• File motions to dismiss or suppress unreliable evidence
• Negotiate with prosecutors and prepare for trial if needed

In many false accusation cases, the truth is in the details—text messages, timelines, metadata, and motives. Your defense attorney will know how to expose weaknesses in the state’s case.

Signs You May Be Targeted for a False Allegation

If any of these apply to you, you could be the subject of an investigation:

• Someone threatened to “ruin your life” or “get back at you”
• You were in a relationship that ended poorly or violently
• There’s a custody dispute, breakup, or legal battle underway
• A consensual encounter is being reinterpreted or denied
• Law enforcement or school officials have contacted you about a “complaint”

False accusations often come out of emotionally charged situations—but once a claim is made, the legal system takes it seriously.

Protecting Yourself Starts Now

If you’re concerned about being falsely accused:

✅ Do:

• Save all communication (texts, DMs, voicemails, emails), this is an incredibly important piece of evidence that can be vital to a defense
• Write down your version of events while it’s fresh in your mind
• Contact a sex offense lawyer
• Avoid contact or communication with the accuser

❌ Don’t:

• Attempt to “clear things up” with police without legal counsel
• Talk to friends or post about the situation on social media
• Assume police will believe your side automatically

📞 Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Ohio? Get Help Today

You have the right to be heard—and the right to a strong defense. If you’ve been falsely accused of a sex offense in Toledo or anywhere in Ohio, don’t wait until charges are filed.

📞 Call Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law at (419) 830-7441

📍 Proudly defending clients in Toledo, Lucas County, Wood County, and Northwest Ohio