When you have been falsely accused of a crime, there are certain things you should do in creating a strong defense from the very beginning. In a situation where you are being accused falsely, you can experience high levels of stress and worry. Having to defend yourself against something you know you didn’t do puts you in a position of fighting for your innocence.
Call Now for a Consultation
Playing a defensive game is always tough and the stress may cause you to not think clearly. If you are facing false allegations, you should take immediate steps to assert your legal rights and protect your name and reputation. Working with a criminal defense attorney who has experience in defending against false accusations will be imperative. In this article, we outline the steps you should take to put yourself in a position of having the best possible outcome.
Fight Your First Impulse – Say Nothing
Be aware that your first impulse, shouting your innocence may not be the right thing to do. Once you have been accused of a crime, it is important to be aware of the actions you take and the things you say because everything can be used against you in court. You don’t need to proclaim your innocence right from the start. It is better to say nothing at all.
Maybe you think that just because you didn’t commit the crime, truth will prevail and you will be exonerated. Sadly, this way of thinking can be incorrect. In a perfect world, you would be able to prove your case and the charges would be dropped. You may think you have an iron-clad case and everyone will see it, when in actuality, there may be room for doubt.
Remain Calm
First and foremost, remain calm. We realize this is easier said than done; however, you will need a cool head to think through what you need to do. If you lash out or act foolishly, it can give the other side more evidence to use against you. For instance, if you are being prosecuted for sexual offenses, demonstrating aggressive behavior now could influence a judge’s decision. Stay calm and collected, especially with any encounters you have with the police.
Retain Legal Counsel with a Criminal Defense Attorney
Be sure to hire a competent attorney who has experience with false accusations like you are experiencing. Ask the attorney for their experience regarding false accusations and choose one that you trust to advocate on your behalf.
An experienced defense attorney will guide you through the landmines. He/she will be proactive in considering the evidence, or lack of evidence against you and in discussing the strengths and weaknesses of a case before the institution of charges. Defense lawyers may call detectives and other law enforcement officers to advise them that you will not be giving a statement of cooperating with an investigation. The attorney will know what to do and what not to do in your regard, whereas you may not know.
Gather Evidence
Preparing a defense may include gathering documents and evidence, speaking with potential witnesses, confirming contact information, taking pictures, and visiting the alleged crime scene. A lot depends on the nature and circumstances of the allegations. Anything that exists relating to the incident or events that have caused you to be falsely accused is critical in building your defense. This can include clothing, photos, video, social media, and any other object that is related to the incident. Write down what you remember about any interactions you may have had with your accuser and make note of any witnesses who may have been present at the time and can help prove your innocence.
Contact Us If You Are Falsely Accused
If you have been accused falsely of a crime, contact us immediately! You will need expert advice and counsel in fighting the allegations against you. We can do that for you. We are experienced in these cases and can get you in front of the process. We serve clients across Wake County, including Raleigh, Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Wendell, Wake Forest, Rolesville, and Knightdale. Contact us at (919) 239-8448 or fill out a contact form for a FREE consultation.