Being accused of a crime you did not commit can be quite devastating. Unfortunately, false accusations happen all the time. And sometimes, innocent people end up paying the price.
Whether you are innocent or not, the decisions you make when facing a false criminal charge can greatly impact the outcome of your case and, by extension, your life going forward.
Why do false accusations happen?
There are many reasons why you can be falsely accused of a crime. Some of these include:
- A mistaken identity where the victim or witness misidentifies you as the perpetrator of the crime
- Police or prosecution misconduct that leads to arrest without probable cause
- Errors while processing forensic evidence
How do you defend against a false accusation?
It is important that you take immediate steps to fight for justice. Here are some of these steps:
- Take the accusation seriously: Never assume the police, prosecution or the judge will somehow realize the mistake and set you free. Immediately you learn about the accusation, be sure to learn more about the crime in question, potential penalties if convicted and possible defense strategies.
- Invoke your right to remain silent: Silence really is golden when you’re facing criminal charges. Never try to talk your way out of the charges because you could just be giving the prosecution more to work with.
- Seek legal help: No matter what your knowledge, you’re not in the best position to defend yourself. Experienced legal guidance is wise.
Depending on the seriousness of the offense, a conviction can have far-reaching implications on your life. Find out how you can protect your rights when dealing with a false criminal charge.