False accusations can severely impact the lives of the accused and tie up valuable resources. In a recent and highly publicized Alabama case, a University of Alabama student falsified a report that she was kidnapped and sexually assaulted. Since the initial reports of the abduction, university police have updated their press release stating that the alleged victim has “admitted to fabricating the event.” Despite the time and resources spent on the initial man hunt, authorities have determined that no assault occurred and that the investigation is closed. Is that really the end? What happens when an alleged victim comes clean and admits that a crime was not committed?
Unfortunately, fabricated police reports and false accusations happen, wreaking havoc on the lives of the accused and costing law enforcement valuable time and resources. In some cases a victim may want attention or they may seek revenge against a former spouse or other target. Our Birminghamcriminal defense attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients. In the event that you are accused of a crime or you are being unfairly targeted in a criminal investigation, our attorneys can effectively protect your rights. We will take the time to review the facts of your case and challenge evidence presented against you. Our objective will be to defeat the underlying charges and minimize penalties in the event of a conviction.
In this case a woman alleged that three men pulled her into a vehicle and attempted to assault her. Immediately after she filed a report, the university police department issued a statement describing where the attack occurred. The victim also told police that she was forced inside a vehicle where to other men were waiting. She said that the men touched her inappropriately before she was able to fight them off and make her escape. According to her police statement, the vehicle drove off in an undetermined direction. She ultimately stated that no one was seriously injured in the attack. Investigators issued a public statement that they were seeking three men with “dark skin” driving in a black sedan.
Fortunately, no individual suspects were unfairly targeted, but the case is a reminder that police reports and statements can be falsified and that criminal charges may wrongly ensue. This is not the first time that a college student has faked a kidnapping. Last fall a Georgia student faked a kidnapping to hide a bad grade.
The costs of a false accusation can be immense. Not only does it waste valuable resources, but it detracts police from preventing real crimes. False accusations can be severely damaging to an alleged suspect. Even if a case is dismissed, the accused may face personal and professional repercussions. Fabricating a kidnapping or admitting to false accusations is also a crime and the accuser may be held criminally liable. If you were falsely accused of a crime, remember that you do have rights. An experienced advocate can review your case, conduct an independent investigation and challenge any accusations made against you.
If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, contact Alabama Criminal Lawyers at (205) 994-0616 or use our online contact form.