Infographic explaining steps to take when falsely accused of a sex crime in Florida, showing how to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prevent charges from escalating.
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๐Ÿšจ What to Do If You’re Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in Florida

Last updated January 2026

Fort Lauderdale False Sex Crime Allegations Defense Lawyer

Being falsely accused of a sex crime in Florida is one of the most frightening situations a person can face. Even without a conviction, an accusation alone can lead to arrest, job loss, school discipline, damaged relationships, and permanent reputational harm.

If youโ€™ve been accused โ€” or believe an allegation is coming โ€” what you do immediately matters. Sex crime investigations often move quickly, and early missteps can be difficult to undo.

At Michael White, P.A., we defend individuals falsely accused of sex crimes throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida. As a former prosecutor, I understand how these cases begin, how they escalate, and how to stop them before they spiral out of control.

๐Ÿ“ž Confidential consultation: (954) 270-0769

โš ๏ธ First Things First: What NOT to Do

If you are falsely accused of a sex crime, your instincts may work against you.

๐Ÿšซ Do NOT Contact the Accuser

Do not text, call, message, or attempt to โ€œclear things up.โ€
Any contact can be framed as:

  • intimidation,

  • witness tampering, or

  • consciousness of guilt.

Even well-intentioned communication can become evidence.

๐Ÿšซ Do NOT Speak to Police Without a Lawyer

Law enforcement may approach you casually or say they โ€œjust want your side.โ€
Do not give a statement without legal counsel present.

Anything you say can be:

  • misunderstood,

  • taken out of context, or

  • used to justify an arrest.

Silence cannot be used against you. Statements often are.

๐Ÿง  How False Sex Crime Allegations Arise

False accusations do not always come from malice โ€” but they often come from high-conflict situations, including:

  • Breakups or rejected advances

  • Custody or family disputes

  • Jealousy or retaliation

  • Alcohol- or drug-impaired recollections

  • Mental health crises

  • Misinterpretation of consensual encounters

Allegations like these fall within a broader category of serious sex crimes in Florida, which is why early defense strategy is critical.

๐Ÿ“ฒ Preserve Evidence Immediately โ€” It May Save You

Digital and third-party evidence often determines whether a false allegation collapses or escalates.

Preserve:

  • Text messages and messaging-app chats

  • Call logs and timestamps

  • Social media messages or posts

  • Location data (GPS, ride history)

  • Photos, videos, or metadata

  • Names and contact information of witnesses

Do not delete anything. Your attorney can subpoena additional records โ€” but only if they still exist.

๐Ÿ”Ž What Happens During a Sex Crime Investigation

Many false accusations become criminal cases before an arrest ever occurs.

Investigations may involve:

  • Interviews with the accuser and third parties

  • Review of phones, social media, and cloud accounts

  • Forensic analysis of devices

  • School or employer reports

  • Medical or forensic exams

Because modern allegations often involve electronic communications, they are frequently investigated as sex crime allegations before charges are filed.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ How We Defend False Sex Crime Accusations

Effective defense at the allegation stage focuses on stopping escalation.

Common defense strategies include:

๐Ÿ”น Exposing Inconsistencies

We compare statements against timelines, messages, and objective data to expose contradictions.

๐Ÿ”น Demonstrating Motive to Fabricate

False allegations often arise from identifiable motives. Establishing motive can fundamentally undermine credibility.

๐Ÿ”น Digital Timeline Reconstruction

Metadata, message history, and location data frequently contradict the accusation narrative.

๐Ÿ”น Challenging Illegal Searches or Interviews

Improper questioning or unlawful device searches can result in suppression of key evidence.

๐Ÿ”น Intervention Before Charges Are Filed

In many cases, early legal involvement can:

  • prevent arrest,

  • avoid formal charges, or

  • resolve the matter without prosecution.

โš ๏ธ What You Should Do Right Now

If you are falsely accused of a sex crime:

  • Do not speak to police without a lawyer

  • Do not contact the accuser

  • Do not delete messages or data

  • Preserve evidence immediately

  • Contact a defense attorney as soon as possible

The investigation stage is often where these cases are won or lost.

๐Ÿ“ False Sex Crime Accusation Defense in Fort Lauderdale & South Florida

At Michael White, P.A., we defend individuals falsely accused of sex crimes with discretion, urgency, and strategy. We treat every client with dignity while aggressively protecting their rights and future.

We represent clients throughout Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and South Florida.

๐Ÿ“ž Call (954) 270-0769 or request a confidential consultation today.

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be arrested even if there is no physical evidence?

Yes. In Florida, an accusation alone can lead to arrest. Thatโ€™s why early legal intervention is critical.

What if I already spoke to police?

Tell your attorney immediately. It may still be possible to limit the damage or challenge the admissibility of statements.

Will I have to register as a sex offender if Iโ€™m falsely accused?

No โ€” not if charges are dismissed or you are acquitted. Avoiding qualifying convictions is a core defense goal.

Can I sue someone for making a false accusation?

Possibly, but criminal defense comes first. Civil options can be evaluated after the case is resolved.

Can my record be sealed or expunged?

If charges are dropped or you are acquitted, you may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the outcome and charge type.