Being falsely accused of a crime can have disastrous consequences on your personal and professional life. You may lose your job or find yourself unable to maintain social relationships. In addition, you could be arrested for a crime that was not your fault and found liable for damages you did not cause.
While it is normal to feel upset, anxious and stressed, you should remember that the legal system was designed to protect your rights. Therefore, you should continue to follow the legal process and cooperate with your defense team. In the meantime, here are a few things to do when you’re falsely accused of a crime:
Take advantage of your right to remain silent. Avoid talking to the police, prosecutor or even your family and friends about what happened. This is because anything you say can be used against you in court. It’s also important to avoid touching or contacting your accuser, as this can create an uncomfortable situation that will only reinforce their suspicions of guilt.
Whenever possible, keep records and documentation to support your innocence. This can include receipts, photographs, witness contact information and expert opinions. Additionally, it’s important to get a lawyer as soon as possible. They can intervene before your case is investigated by the police and prevent you from giving a statement that could be used against you in court.
If the police want to search your home, car or other property, you should always ask to see a warrant first. You can then request that the search be limited to certain areas, or that you are not searched at all. Never agree to a voluntary blood, breath or fingerprint sample. This will only confirm your suspicions of guilt and can be used against you in court.
In this digital age, social media is often used to attack someone’s reputation and destroy their career. However, you should also avoid posting or commenting on any aspect of your case. It’s best to discuss your social media strategy with your attorney before taking any action.
Lastly, never try to resolve the issue with your accuser. This can be extremely risky and only serve to further inflame their suspicions. There are many reasons why people make false accusations, and it’s important to stay calm and defend yourself against these allegations.
If you’ve been falsely accused of a crime, our experienced criminal law attorneys can help you. We offer comprehensive legal services, a personalized approach and aggressive defense strategies. To schedule your free consultation, contact us today. We represent clients throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. Depending on the nature of your case, we can even file a civil suit against your accuser for breaching your rights and harassing you. For more information on defending yourself against a sex crimes charge, contact Friedman & Ranzenhofer, PC today. We can answer any questions and provide the expert legal representation you need. Our office is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan.