Introduction

Being falsely accused of a sex crime in Minnesota is one of the most serious and traumatic legal situations a person can face. Even before a trial begins, accusations alone can damage your relationships, employment, reputation, and mental health.

At Martine Law, we understand how devastating these situations are and how quickly things can spiral if not handled correctly. If you’ve been wrongfully accused, the steps you take in the first hours and days after learning about the accusation can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

This guide breaks down what you need to do, your legal rights, and how we can help you fight to restore your name and freedom.

Understand the Seriousness of the Allegation

Sex crime allegations in Minnesota carry high stakes. Depending on the charge — whether it’s criminal sexual conduct, statutory rape, possession of illicit materials, or another offense — the penalties can include:

Years or even decades in prison
Mandatory sex offender registration
Fines and court fees
Loss of parental rights
Damage to your personal and professional reputation

Even if the allegations are completely false, prosecutors are required to take them seriously and may pursue charges aggressively. That’s why you must treat the situation as a serious legal matter, not just a misunderstanding.

Do Not Contact the Accuser

Your first instinct may be to reach out to the person accusing you to clear up the situation. Do not do this.

Contacting your accuser can:

Lead to accusations of harassment or intimidation
Be used as evidence against you
Violate a no-contact order (if already issued)

All communication should go through your criminal defense attorney. Any attempt to “explain” or “work things out” may be twisted and used by prosecutors to imply guilt.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

If law enforcement contacts you for questioning — whether informally or under arrest — invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Say:

“I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer.”

Even if you’re innocent and want to cooperate, speaking without a lawyer present can be dangerous. Investigators are trained to elicit statements that could harm your defense, even if they seem friendly or sympathetic.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

One of the most important decisions you can make is hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record in Minnesota sex crime cases. At Martine Law, we’ve defended clients against false allegations and understand the tactics prosecutors use to build their cases.

Your attorney will:

Investigate the facts
Identify any inconsistencies or motives in the accuser’s story
Review digital and physical evidence
Consult expert witnesses
Build a defense tailored to your case

Do not wait until charges are formally filed. The earlier you get legal representation, the better your chances of avoiding prosecution entirely.

Document Everything

Start compiling all communication, dates, and information related to the accuser or situation:

Text messages, emails, social media interactions
Dates and locations where the alleged incident did or did not occur
Witnesses who can vouch for your whereabouts or character
Any unusual behavior or possible motives of the accuser

Keep a detailed timeline. This information can help your attorney build your defense and challenge the credibility of the accusation.

Avoid Talking to Others About the Case

You may feel the urge to confide in friends, family, or coworkers. But anything you say could be subpoenaed or used in court. Instead, limit conversations about the case to your attorney.

Avoid posting anything on social media — even vague or unrelated updates. Prosecutors may use your posts to paint a negative picture of you.

Understand Why False Allegations Happen

While rare, false accusations of sex crimes do occur. Reasons can include:

Revenge or retaliation from an ex-partner
Attempts to gain custody in family court
Mental illness
Misidentification
Pressure from others to report an incident that never occurred

Understanding potential motives can help your defense team present a more complete picture of what really happened.

Prepare for the Possibility of Charges

Unfortunately, even with weak or questionable evidence, prosecutors may still file charges. In that case, your lawyer will need to:

Argue for pre-trial dismissal if evidence is insufficient
Challenge the accuser’s credibility and timeline
Present exculpatory evidence (texts, videos, alibis)
Bring in experts to analyze psychological or forensic aspects of the case
Prepare you for trial, if necessary

If you are arrested or formally charged, do not panic. Many people are acquitted of false allegations — but only when represented by skilled counsel.

Will Your Record Be Public?

Yes. If you’re charged, your name and the charges will typically appear in public records, even before guilt or innocence is determined. This is why early action is essential — the longer the case remains unresolved, the greater the damage to your reputation.

If the case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty, you may be able to request expungement under Minnesota law, which removes the record from public view.

How Martine Law Can Help

At Martine Law, we take false accusations extremely seriously. Our defense approach includes:

Intensive case investigation
Filing pre-trial motions to suppress improper evidence
Cross-examining witnesses effectively
Advocating for your rights through every phase of the process

We’ve helped Minnesotans clear their names in even the most serious sex crime cases. Let us help you fight back.

Resources for the Falsely Accused

Final Thoughts

A false sex crime accusation in Minnesota can upend your life — but it doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal defense, clear evidence, and fast action, you can protect your rights and reputation.

If you’ve been falsely accused, don’t wait. Contact Martine Law today and speak to a trusted criminal defense attorney about your options.

What to Do if You’re Falsely Accused of a Sex Crime in MN