Has the #MeToo Movement Made it Harder to Fight Sexual Assault Allegations?
The short answer is yes. Fighting allegations of sexual assault, date rape, and more can be extraordinarily difficult, emotionally challenging and scary in any environment. In the #MeToo environment, where there is increased attention and sensitivity to sexual harassment and assault, defending against such allegations can be particularly challenging. If you are facing serious criminal charges in Minnesota, is it important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. It may also be worth making sure that that criminal defense attorney is also a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist.
“One premise of #MeToo is that if somebody claims sexual harassment or assault, they must be believed. What does this do to the presumption of innocence?”
Why are Sex Crime Allegations so Challenging in this Environment?
While any criminal charge in Minnesota can be challenging, sexual assault allegations in the #MeToo environment come with challenges like few others. Rarely can somebody be labeled “monster” or “deviant” as quickly as they can be based upon these kinds of allegations, especially in light of #MeToo.. Further, the impact on personal and professional reputations in this very public sphere cannot be overestimated.
Another particular challenge is the amount of evidence necessary in order to convict with this kind of a charge. Criminal sexual conduct charges may not necessarily need to be supported by any forensic evidence, photos, claims of force, independent witnesses, or even within a specific timeline anymore here in Minnesota.
Finally, #MeToo has really changed the environment when it comes to allegations and whether those allegations should be believed. In particularly, because legitimate claims may have been ignored in the past, some including those in a jury pool may give more credence to allegations that they merit. From a criminal defense perspective, this could be incredibly troubling.
“It is important to remember that the legal process of defending against allegations of sexual assault can be stressful, long and personally and professionally expensive.”
It is important to note that every case in Minnesota is unique and the strength of a defense will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. It is also important to remember that anyone accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty, the State must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and that the accused has the right to defend themselves against the allegations. Therefore, it is important to sit down with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights, the charges you face and the evidence that may be presented against you.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is the Founder of Jack Rice Defense, a boutique criminal defense firm based on Cathedral Hill in St. Paul, Minnesota. Jack is a former prosecutor, for CIA Officer and a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339. Jack’s got your back.