If someone accuses you of sexual assault, do not contact the accuser and do not speak with law enforcement before calling a lawyer. Even when an encounter felt consensual at the time, an accusation can quickly turn into a criminal investigation, and early missteps can have lasting consequences. What you say, text, or agree to in the first hours or days may be reviewed, recorded, and reused later, often in ways you did not expect.
Taking a pause and getting legal guidance right away is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and avoid making the situation worse.
Stop and Protect Yourself Immediately
Once you know an accusation has been made, your priority should be protecting your rights, not trying to fix the situation yourself. Investigators are trained to collect statements, not to sort out misunderstandings.
That means resisting the urge to explain, apologize, or clear things up on your own.
Do Not Talk to Law Enforcement Without a Lawyer
You may be contacted by a detective who asks for “your side of the story.” This can sound informal or reassuring, but it is still part of an investigation.
Anything you say can be:
- Taken out of context
- Compared against other statements for inconsistencies
- Used later, even if charges are not filed right away
Police are also allowed to use deceptive tactics during interviews, including suggesting they have evidence they do not actually possess. Once a statement is made, it cannot be taken back.
Do Not Provide a Written Statement
Written statements create permanent records that prosecutors can rely on. Even small wording choices can become a focal point later.
Before agreeing to anything in writing, talk with counsel who understands how sexual assault cases are investigated and charged in Washington.
Do Not Take a Polygraph to “Clear Things Up”
Polygraph tests are subjective and influenced by many factors, including stress, medication, and how questions are framed. Results are often unreliable and can raise new issues instead of resolving the accusation.
If testing is ever considered, it should only happen after legal advice and under conditions that protect you.
Do Not Contact the Accuser
Reaching out to the accuser can create new legal problems, even if your intent is to understand what is happening.
Contact may be framed as:
- Harassment
- Witness tampering
- Evidence of intimidation
Once an accusation exists, any communication should stop. Let your attorney handle all contact through proper channels.
Save and Preserve Relevant Evidence
While you should not create new communications, you should preserve existing ones. Messages and records often matter in cases involving consent.
Preserve items such as:
- Text messages, emails, or direct messages
- Photos or videos
- Call logs
- Cards or written notes
Do not alter, delete, or forward materials. Keep them exactly as they are and share them only with your attorney.
Understand the Legal Risks in Washington Sexual Assault Cases
An accusation can lead to multiple proceedings at the same time, including:
- A criminal investigation
- Requests for a sexual assault protection order
- Restrictions on contact, housing, or employment
Statements made in one setting can affect another. That is why timing and coordination matter. Acting too quickly or without guidance can close off options that would otherwise be available.
How We Help When You Are Facing an Accusation
At Jennifer Horwitz Law, we work with people at the earliest stages of sexual assault allegations, often before charges are filed. Our role is to protect your rights, manage communication, and help shape the direction of the case.
We assist by:
- Intervening with law enforcement when appropriate
- Advising you on what not to say or do
- Responding to protection order requests without compromising your silence
- Reviewing evidence for context and consistency
Early involvement allows us to reduce risk and avoid preventable damage.
Take Control Before the Accusation Controls You
An accusation does not equal guilt, but it does require a careful response. Waiting, explaining, or acting on instinct can make the situation worse. Jennifer Horwitz offers one-hour paid consultations and limited-scope support for individuals who need immediate guidance on how to protect themselves, respond to an accusation, or understand their legal exposure without committing to full representation. In many cases, focused advice early on can prevent serious missteps.
Contact Jennifer Horwitz Law to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss next steps.