College can be an exciting time filled with new friends and hope for the future. But campuses can also be dangerous places, especially when alcohol comes into play. Assault accusations can derail a college student's career before it's even started. As evidenced in one Duke University incident, sometimes those accusations are false.

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team knows how disruptive false accusations can be. Whether assault accusations are false or founded, though, we can help. If your future is at risk due to assault allegations, contact us at 888-535-3686 or complete our confidential online form.

False Accusation at Duke University

In 2006, an exotic dancer accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her during a party. The three men were eventually exonerated and even successfully sued the university, but the scandal made national news, causing anguish for the accused and their families.

Nearly 20 years later, that former dancer admitted on a podcast that she completely fabricated the allegations. She apologized, but the admission highlighted the fact that false sexual assault accusations do happen.

The Impact of a False Accusation

Universities take sexual assault claims seriously, typically launching a multistep disciplinary process that prioritizes the safety of students. While this is understandable, it can lead to speedy investigations that put the burden of the responsibility on the alleged perpetrator.

For many accused students, penalties are swift and severe. During the investigation, a student may lose privileges or face an interim suspension. At the end of the process, a student may be expelled. That doesn't include the reputation damage and loss of future career opportunities that a sexual assault allegation can cause.

Steps to Take If You're Falsely Accused

A sexual assault allegation can hit hard. But every second counts when you're dealing with this type of accusation. Here are some steps to take once an assault accusation comes your way:

• Remain calm: Emotions are natural, but acting on those emotions can make things worse. Approach every communication with campus administration with a cool, clear head.
• Understand your rights: Every university has a code of conduct, and that code should include the school's stance on sexual assault. Review that section of the code and the university's disciplinary steps to familiarize yourself with your rights.
• Preserve evidence: Unfortunately, many assault cases come down to which side of the story has the most credible claim. Track down and save any emails, text messages, photos and videos, and social media posts and comments. Also, track down witnesses who are willing to speak on your behalf.
• Contact the Lento Law Firm: Our team can help you interact with campus officials and prepare for any meetings. We'll also help gather evidence and line up witnesses.

How We Can Help

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team knows how stressful allegations can be, whether false or founded. If you're facing disciplinary action for an assault accusation, we can help. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form, and we'll be in touch.