Molestation is a serious crime that carries hefty penalties in Singapore, including fines, loss of employment, revocation of professional licenses, caning, civil action and jail time of up to 20 years. If you are accused of molesting someone, a criminal investigation will commence in order to determine whether or not you should be charged with committing the crime as per its definition under sexual offences in the Penal Code.
While a wrongful accusation of any crime is serious, unfounded allegations of molestation are particularly severe given the gravity of the potential consequences. If you have been falsely accused of this crime, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and get the best possible chance of acquittal should the case go to court.
Keep a cool head
Remaining calm when you are falsely accused of a crime is easier said than done. In fact, it can feel counterintuitive and is one of the hardest challenges you’ll face, particularly if the allegation comes from someone close to you. All you’ll want to do is refute the claims to everyone you know, offer detailed explanations and scream your innocence from the rooftops. However, the period immediately following an accusation is when many innocent people make critical mistakes that can compromise their defence and further incriminate them at a later stage.
It’s critical that you do not, under any circumstances:
- Share your thoughts about the accusation on social media
- Contact and engage with the accuser and/or the alleged victim
It can be incredibly difficult to hold your tongue against such serious allegations, but remaining calm and taking the right steps forward will ultimately help you build the best possible defence. Seek legal guidance on what you should and should not say from the moment you are accused.
Gather evidence
You might be surprised how important even the most minor details can be when proving your innocence to the police and in a trial. As soon as possible, while your memory is fresh, start gathering any evidence that might be pertinent to the case. This may include any clothing you wore or objects you had when interacting with the alleged victim, along with relevant photos and video recordings. Witnesses are also crucial: is there anyone who was with you or in the vicinity when the attack is claimed to have taken place?
If you were not in contact with the alleged victim whatsoever at the date and time in question, consider what evidence will help you prove your alibi. This could be GPS data, records showing you were at work or elsewhere, or testimony from another person you were with at the time.
Engage a criminal lawyer
Speaking with an experienced criminal lawyer is arguably the most important step in the process. Many people who are falsely accused of molestation in Singapore avoid seeking legal assistance, instead relying on their innocence because they believe they have nothing to hide. But even if you have done nothing wrong, being accused of a crime is incredibly serious and it’s easy to find yourself deeply tangled in the web of the law. In the worst case scenario, you get charged with a crime, accidentally incriminate yourself and face a tough court battle with a chance of being wrongfully convicted.
Having a criminal lawyer by your side isn’t just to argue your case in court and fight for a fair and just verdict, but also to protect your rights and explain what to do from the moment you are first accused. The process starts well before you show up in court, and it’s critical to be supported by legal professionals during such a stressful and complicated ordeal.
Last but not least, always remember to be truthful with your lawyer. You are protected by client privilege, which means anything you share privately with your lawyer cannot be used against you in court under Singaporean law. Even if you need to share something embarrassing or shameful, it’s important for your lawyer to know the full story so they can be fully prepared to defend you.
Falsely accused? Call Singapore Criminal Defence Lawyers now on +65 8886 0278, or contact us on WhatsApp, to find out more about what to do when you are falsely accused of molestation.