4 Tips To Handle False Crime Accusations
False accusations are widespread. These might involve anything from smashing your grandmother’s prized vase to being targeted by a school bully. When was the last time you were wrongly accused of something?
While minor accusations are often harmless, being charged with a crime could have severe implications. It can also significantly affect your life. And being falsely accused of a crime can be frustrating. Not everyone will believe you, even if you’re confident that you’re innocent.
If you’re unfortunate enough to be charged with a crime you’ve never committed, this article shares four tips on handling the situation appropriately.
1. Manage Your Emotions
Being falsely accused of small things is already frustrating. And being charged with a crime you never committed can take a toll physically and emotionally. Imagine being accused of a terrible crime like assault or child abuse and being unable to get away.
It’s natural to feel anger and want to fight back. If you think you’re the victim and justified to defend yourself, you should take a step back and manage your emotions first. Acting rashly will only give the accuser more evidence to use against you.
Also, it would be best if you didn’t ignore the charge in the hopes that it’ll go away. It helps to understand the seriousness of the accusation and act accordingly. Keep in mind that you can also seek help from legal professionals. Reputable law firms like Brisbane Criminal Lawyers, Cridland & Hua, or similar ones can help you navigate this difficult situation.
2. Call A Lawyer
Once you’ve collected your thoughts and managed your emotions, you should seek an expert to guide and defend your case. The best lawyer will protect your rights and help you develop the best defence strategy. They’ll guide you through the complex legal world and do everything they can to prove your innocence.
Essentially, it’s always best to look for local experts. For instance, if you live in Australia and face a criminal accusation, you should look for reliable criminal lawyers in Brisbane. Also, check if the lawyer has handled similar cases as yours. Choosing a local lawyer who’s well-versed in similar crimes you’re accused of ensures that they can fight for your rights more aggressively.
3. Gather Witness And Physical Evidence
No one will truly believe your innocence unless you provide credible evidence. When charged with a crime, it’s crucial to gather witnesses and evidence to prove your innocence. Make a list of potential witnesses. Think of anyone at the scene who can provide you with an alibi.
It’s also essential to ask your potential witness about their willingness to testify for you in court. Tell them they must attest to provide valuable information about the incident and accusations. Alternatively, you can let your lawyer talk to potential witnesses on your behalf. Doing so can help avoid any issue about the credibility of your witness.
You should also obtain physical evidence and documents to help prove your innocence. You should do your best to gather any physical evidence to support your case. These may include clothing, photographs, GPS data, and a drug test result. You can also collect documentation and even CCTV recordings to help your case.
Also, it’s best not to tamper with or destroy the evidence as you collect it for your defence. It could negatively impact your credibility as a consequence. For instance, deleting implicating text messages can put you in a tight spot if the judge requests it later from both sides and find out that you deleted a part of the messages.
4. Find Support
Between the false accusation and lengthy legal battles, it’s easy to become physically and emotionally drained. During these challenging times, finding and getting the support you need is essential.
Generally, your family and close friends will know you better than anyone. So, consider leaning on them when things get tough. They can help share positive feelings and provide the support you need to help you fight this battle.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with going to the therapist. They can help you work through your feelings and better control your emotions. Just be careful what you say about others which can backfire if they mention it in court when called as witnesses.
Takeaway
A false accusation may seem like an overused plot in movies, but it happens in real life. And when you’re charged with a crime, it can be a truly terrifying experience. That said, by following the above tips and with the help of an experienced attorney, you can prove your innocence and be free of false accusations in no time.