Tips For Defending False Criminal Accusations
Posted on: 30 April 2019
If someone has falsely accused you of a crime, don't rely on the fact of your innocence alone to set you free. Use the following tips to help you prove that fact:
Document Everything
Start to document everything the moment you realize the authorities suspect you of a crime or you are under investigation. Human memory is fickle, and if you don't document everything, you may later forget information crucial to your defense. For example, if you have been accused of embezzlement, document all the expenditures or finances that have passed through your hands. Keep a journal in which you jot down everything related to the case.
Preserve Evidence
It also makes sense to preserve evidence, whether the evidence makes you seem guilty or innocent. You will need the evidence to provide the whole picture of your actions to defend yourself. For example, if you have been accused of rape after a consensual encounter, don't get rid of the photos you had taken with your accuser.
Don't Resist Arrest
Don't resist arrest, argue with the police, or give the police a difficult time in any way when they come for you. Resisting arrest will complicate life for you in two main ways. First, resisting arrest is a crime on its own and you will face the charges even if the court finds you innocent of the original charge. Secondly, resisting arrest makes you look 'bad' in the eyes of the authorities, which includes the judge who will handle your case.
Be Honest
It is the prosecutor's job to prove that you committed a crime -- it is not your duty to prove that you are innocent. If you have truly done nothing wrong, then complete honesty will be your best defense. Don't lie to the police, judge, prosecutor, or lawyer even if you think lying can get you off the hook fast.
For example, if you are facing sexual assault accusations after a consensual sexual encounter, don't deny that you weren't even there in the first place. Instead, acknowledge your presence and then prove how the encounter was consensual. If you lie and the authorities unearth the lie (which is highly likely), they may begin to doubt your whole story, which only makes matters more difficult for you.
Consult a Defense Lawyer
Lastly, it is not only the guilty that need a lawyer; even innocent people need lawyers to defend them. A criminal defense attorney will help you gather the evidence you need, coordinate witness testimony, and ensure the authorities respect your rights, among other things. The criminal justice system is complicated for the public; a lawyer will help simplify the process for you.
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