SITTIG LAW Law Firm Blog

False accusation of sexual harassment - how to defend yourself

Have you been accused of sexual harassment and don't know how to deal with it? Such an accusation is not only a serious blow for those affected, but can also have far-reaching consequences for your professional and private life. But don't worry, you don't have to go through this situation alone. As experienced criminal defense lawyers, we are at your side and will show you how to effectively defend yourself against false accusations.
Contents

The most important facts at a glance

Sexual harassment - what's behind it?

Sexual harassment is regulated in Section 184i StGB. Accordingly, anyone who touches another person in a sexually explicit manner and this touching is clearly rejected by the person concerned is liable to prosecution. This can include, for example, touching in the genital area, on the buttocks or on the chest. However, less intense touching can also constitute the offense if it has a sexual connotation and is against the victim's will. If someone is wrongly accused of sexual harassment, this may also constitute a criminal offense such as defamation, slander or false accusation.

This is an enormous psychological burden for those affected. They often feel helpless and left alone. There is great fear for their reputation and professional future. Many also fear social stigmatization - even if the accusations turn out to be unfounded.

This is how we proceed in your case

We know how stressful a false accusation of sexual harassment can be for you. That is why we are here to support you with all our expertise and experience. Our aim is to refute the allegations, prove your innocence and avert negative consequences for your life.

We proceed with the utmost care and discretion. In the first step, we examine in detail whether the allegations are even valid. We then secure exculpatory evidence and prepare a convincing defense strategy. Depending on the initial situation, we aim to have the proceedings discontinued, an acquittal or, if appropriate, a plea bargain. At the same time, we support you in avoiding prejudgement in public.

We know that every case is different. That is why our approach is always tailored to your specific situation. In numerous cases, we have already succeeded in discontinuing proceedings, obtaining acquittals and restoring the reputation of our clients. We will also apply this wealth of experience to your case.

What sets us apart?

Many years of experience and a high level of expertise in criminal defense make us your ideal partner when you need to defend yourself against false accusations. We will convince you with our clear, goal-oriented approach and will not let up until we have achieved the best possible result for you.

We always act with the necessary tact and sensitivity, but without ever losing sight of your interests. We always have an open ear for your concerns, but at the same time we maintain the professional distance needed to make the right decisions. Our top priority is to ensure that you feel well looked after - both professionally and personally.

How does the collaboration work?

Once you have contacted us, we will arrange a personal initial meeting as soon as possible. Here, you tell us in detail what has happened and what you hope to gain from legal support. We will then analyze the facts of the case from a legal perspective and develop a tailor-made defense strategy for you. Naturally, we will involve you closely in this process.

The next steps are then, for example, the inspection of files, discussions with witnesses and the securing and evaluation of evidence. On this basis, we prepare the best possible defense in close consultation with you. We will then consistently represent your interests vis-à-vis investigating authorities, courts, the employer and all other parties involved.

Our aim is always to protect your reputation, secure your professional future and end the proceedings in your favor. Thanks to our determined and assertive approach, we succeed in most cases.

Conclusion

False accusations of sexual harassment are not a trivial offense, but a serious matter. The consequences for those affected can be devastating - from losing their job and losing custody to isolation and depression. This makes it all the more important to act as early as possible and get an experienced lawyer on your side.

With our team, you have a strong and experienced partner who will fight uncompromisingly for your rights and your reputation. Thanks to our forward-looking and careful approach as well as intensive personal support, we achieve an optimal result in many cases. So do not hesitate to get in touch with us. The sooner you take action, the better your chances.

We are here for you - competent, discreet and committed. Give us a call and make an appointment. We will help you further.

Frequently asked questions

Sexual harassment occurs when one person touches another in a sexually explicit manner and the person concerned clearly rejects this touching. This includes, for example, unwanted touching of the breasts, buttocks or genital area, but also less intense touching with a sexual connotation. The decisive factor is that the act takes place against the victim's will.

The consequences can be serious: from damage to reputation and loss of job to withdrawal of custody, social ostracism and psychological problems. Criminal investigations and court proceedings with an uncertain outcome are also possible.

Keep calm, even if it is difficult. If possible, do not comment on the accusations yourself and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. The sooner you seek legal assistance, the better.

Look for a specialist criminal lawyer with experience and expertise in sexual harassment cases. A high level of competence, trustworthiness and assertiveness are important. We at SITTIG LAW offer these prerequisites.

Police investigations and questioning usually take place first. The public prosecutor's office then checks whether there is sufficient suspicion. If this is the case, it files charges and a court hearing is held. If there is no suspicion, the public prosecutor's office will discontinue the proceedings. Your lawyer will accompany you through the entire process.

Your defense lawyer will collect exculpatory evidence, such as witness statements, chat histories or video recordings. Contradictions in the statements of the other side can also cast doubt on the accusations. Ultimately, the more plausible and verifiable your version is compared to the alleged victim's account, the better your chances are.

If you are acquitted, the state treasury will cover the necessary expenses, including the lawyer's fees. Many legal expenses insurance policies cover at least part of the costs.

This cannot be said across the board. The duration depends on the complexity of the case and the workload of the investigating authorities and courts. It often takes several months, sometimes even over a year. Your lawyer will do everything to ensure that a result is reached as quickly as possible.

Yes, if the accusation proves to be unfounded, you can take legal action against the complainant, for example for false accusation or defamation. Claims for damages and compensation for pain and suffering are also often possible. Your lawyer will be happy to advise you on your options.

Absolute discretion is the be-all and end-all. If possible, do not talk to anyone about the allegations, not even colleagues or friends. Your lawyer will communicate with the investigating authorities on your behalf. You should politely but firmly decline press inquiries. Targeted public relations work can be useful in some cases - but only after careful advice from a lawyer.

Hamburg location
Head office
Martinistrasse 11
20251 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (0) 40 808 125 550
Fax: +49 (0) 40 808 125 559
Kassel location
Branch office
Motzstrasse 1
34117 Kassel
Phone: +49 (0) 561 510 053 80
Fax: +49 (0) 561 510 053 99
Frankfurt location
Branch office
Oeder Weg 11
60318 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: +49 (0) 69 710 471 070
Fax: +49 (0) 69 710 471 079
SITTIG LAW
Lawyer.
Specialist lawyer for criminal law.
Specialist lawyer for IT law.

[email protected]
Hamburg location
Head office
Martinistr. 11
20251 Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0) 40 808 125 550
Fax: +49 (0) 40 808 125 559

Contact form