At any given time, an individual can get into an altercation with another, and tension can remain for days, weeks, months or even years. In these instances, it can be common for one party or another to make false accusations against the other, when the opportunity arises. When this happens, an individual can wind up facing serious criminal charges that could threaten to destroy his or her reputation and future.
One Michigan principal was forced to confront this reality recently, when he was accused of a sex crime against a student. The 13-year-old student alleged that the principal groped her breast in the back of her classroom, an allegation supported by two male students.
During trial, the principal claimed that he did not grope the student, and he had disciplinary problems with the alleged victim and the two witnesses. If the principal were to be convicted of the criminal sexual conduct charge he faced, he would have faced up to 15 years in prison, registration as a sex offender and a ruined reputation.
The jury, which deliberated for nearly two hours, found the principal not guilty. This, of course, came as a huge relief to the principal, who remains on paid administrative leave. Nonetheless, he now faces the very real matter of moving past the allegations and reclaiming his life. This can be challenging, but it is a brighter future than one clouded by prison.
As this case illustrates, false allegations can be made by anyone, at any time. Oftentimes, they are made by those who hold a grudge against the accused. But, these are matters that can be addressed by a skilled legal professional, which might raise doubt as to the accused’s guilt and result in an acquittal. Yet, no two cases are the same, so it is imperative that those who are facing criminal allegations develop a criminal defense strategy that fits their circumstances.
Source: MLive Michigan, “Cleared of groping girl, assistant principal hops to get back to school,” Al Jones, March 30, 2016
