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Being accused of sexual assault is an overwhelming experience that can lead to dramatic changes in your workplace relationships. It can also bring significant amounts of stress with far-reaching consequences if not addressed appropriately or promptly. Disruptions can extend beyond your professional life and have implications for your personal life and relationships. As such, understanding your rights and taking immediate, informed action is critical to protecting your reputation from permanently being tarnished.
Sexual assault defense lawyer and founder of The Law Offices of Robert Keating PLLC, based in Fort Worth, TX, Robert Keating has written this article to provide you with an overview of what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Know that the general advice in this article, as helpful as he hopes it is for you, is not official legal advice, nor does it replace having a relationship with your own sexual assault claims attorney who can provide you with invaluable support and guidance specific to your case.
The first step when confronted with an accusation of sexual assault is to remain calm. Naturally, the accusation will likely evoke a deep sense of fear, anger, or even confusion, but succumbing to these emotions and overreacting can do far more harm than good.
Do not, under any circumstances, confront the accuser. Rather, focus on gathering yourself and brainstorming how you are to approach things going forward. The next steps you take will have a profound impact on the trajectory of your case. To act on impulse is to significantly harm your case.
Engaging with a skilled and trustworthy lawyer as soon as you can is absolutely crucial to whatever success you’ll find in your case. With their qualifications, they’ll help you understand the legal implications of the accusation that’s been levied against you, evaluate all of the evidence used to substantiate said accusation, and formulate as robust a defense strategy for you as possible.
Robert Keating, the head criminal defense attorney at The Law Offices of Robert Keating PLLC, has years of experience handling sexual assault claims and workplace harassment defense. He knows how to navigate these complex cases while safeguarding your rights and interests. Your attorney, whoever it may be, should also be able to guide you every step of the way, specifically regarding how to handle communicating with law enforcement, your employer, and the other parties involved in the case. It’s critically important to let your attorney manage these things so as to avoid slipping up and inadvertently undermining or compromising your case.
It isn’t uncommon for sexual assault allegations in the workplace to involve overlapping legal and employment-related consequences. For instance, not only will your employer likely launch an internal investigation, but you’ll also be subject to a criminal investigation carried out by the authorities. All this, in addition to being placed on administrative leave or being on the receiving end of some other disciplinary action, quickly shows how intense a situation you’re in.
As your workplace harassment defense attorney, Robert Keating will ensure your rights are protected the entire time. Regardless of how strong the evidence may be, your co-workers’ opinions, or even what general society may think, you’re still very much entitled to due process. Any and all employment-related actions must be in line with due process, as well as comply with workplace policies and federal and state employment law.
Building a strong defense begins with gathering relevant and key evidence. Your attorney will work with you to collect any documentation, be it email, text, or anything else, to support your version of what happened. In addition to this, they’ll also work to identify any witnesses who can corroborate your account or otherwise provide insight into the situation at hand.
It may be tempting, but do not, under any circumstances, discuss your case with colleagues. It will likely backfire and seriously undermine your case. Workplace gossip distorts the facts under normal circumstances. How much more so in a situation where your entire future is on the line? Your legal team will handle all necessary communication.
Sexual assault allegations somewhat commonly lead to both civil and criminal cases. In criminal court, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, who must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Civil cases are subject to a different, lower standard of proof. Claims for damages may be involved here. Keep these differences in mind as your case unfolds. Your lawyer may develop a strategy accordingly, and it’s best to be on the same page as them the entire time.
Facing the accusation of sexual assault is serious and demands immediate yet thoughtful action. Of everything mentioned in this article, remember to remain calm and seek the guidance of an experienced sexual assault claims attorney. As uncertain as your future may seem, you can indeed work toward protecting your reputation and a fair resolution.
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