Sexual Assault Allegations During Divorce Cases Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Divorce can be raw, personal and brutal. and sometimes may feel like a no-holds barred fight to the death. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to people making horrendous claims—especially when accusations of sexual abuse or assault arise. In Minnesota, these allegations can explode beyond the family courtroom and lead to serious criminal charges, including felony sexual assault or child molestation. At Jack Rice Defense, we understand how devastating these claims can be, especially when they are false or exaggerated. Contact us a for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
If you are facing sexual allegations in the midst of a divorce, your future, your freedom, and your relationship with your children and the rest of your life may be at stake. These cases require an aggressive, coordinated defense strategy— especially if you land in criminal court.
“It’s called weaponization. This is where one parent uses the children as a way of getting back at the other parent.”
Criminal Charges Arising from Sexual Allegations
When sexual allegations are made during a divorce or separation, criminal charges are often not far behind. The consequences can be severe:
Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC): A conviction for CSC in Minnesota can result in long prison sentences, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifelong reputational harm.
Loss of Custody or Parental Rights: Even unproven allegations can impact custody or parenting time in family court.
Public Scrutiny: These cases often carry intense social stigma that can impact your job, family, and community standing.
Building a Strong Criminal Defense
At Jack Rice Defense, we look at every angle to protect our clients’ rights and reputations. Some key defense strategies may include:
Alibi Defense: Demonstrating you were not present at the time and place of the alleged incident. This could involve surveillance footage, time-stamped receipts, or witness testimony.
False Accusation Defense: Many allegations arise from a place of bitterness or manipulation. We work to expose inconsistencies in the accuser’s story and uncover any motives—such as seeking leverage in a custody battle.
Consent Defense: If the encounter occurred but was consensual, we challenge the state’s ability to prove otherwise.
Expert Witnesses and Evidence: We often consult with medical experts, digital forensic analysts, and psychologists to counter the prosecution’s narrative.
Most importantly, an experienced criminal defense attorney will independently investigate the claims, gather exculpatory evidence, and hold the prosecution to its burden of proof.
Parental Alienation: How Allegations Influence Kids
While criminal courts require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, separation and divorce can have incredible influence on this children and they pick up on what a parent says about their former partner. This is where one parent may weaponize sexual abuse allegations to turn a child against the other parent.
Protect Yourself: Critical Next Steps
If you are facing allegations of sexual abuse during a divorce:
Remain Calm and Cooperative: Reacting emotionally or retaliating can harm your credibility.
Do Not Contact the Accuser: Even an innocent text message can be twisted and used against you.
Document Everything: Maintain a record of all interactions, including time, date, and any relevant communication.
Consult with Experts: In cases involving children, evaluations by child psychologists or neutral professionals can make or break your case.
Retain Legal Counsel Immediately: You need both a criminal defense attorney and, in many cases, a seasoned family law attorney working in tandem.
“Once an allegation is made, its like a boulder being pushed down the mountain. It creates its own momentum.”
When False Allegations Threaten Everything
At Jack Rice Defense, we’ve seen firsthand how lives can be destroyed by unfounded accusations made during divorce proceedings. We fight for our clients with determination, discretion, and relentless commitment to the truth. These cases are complex and emotionally charged—but you don’t have to face them alone.
Contact Jack Rice Defense
If you’ve been accused of criminal sexual conduct in Minnesota during a divorce or custody dispute, time is critical. Protect your rights by speaking with a criminal defense attorney who understands both the legal and personal stakes.
📞 Call Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation:
651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
Let us help you fight back—and protect your future.

