There are very few situations in life that are as devastating as being accused of a crime you did not commit. Your current and future reputation and freedom are at stake and should never be taken lightly!
If you find yourself in this situation, there are steps you should take and what you need to know in order to proceed forward. Failure to take proper action will lead to a very bad outcome including prison time, even if you are innocent.
Here are some useful tips that you should follow and how to deal with a false accusation;
First off, you should fully understand what charges are being brought against you. It is crucial that you defend yourself against charges that have been brought against you falsely. Once you understand what the charges are and have taken the steps to get legal representation, you will be in a much better position. If you do not have an attorney, at the moment, go online and read legal articles to fully comprehend the charges being filed against you.
You should hire a solicitor as quickly as possible or if you already have a solicitor, present them with all your questions and concerns. You must know your rights and how the legal system works. Your solicitor should explain what charges are being brought against you and what steps will be taken by the attorney and his team.
The following are important tips to help you get the best possible outcome in securing results that will work in your favor:
This is critical – you must completely understand the consequences of the accusations being brought against you, even if you are innocent. Never, disregard the seriousness of the charges because you could still be convicted of the crime. Everything you do at this stage will have an effect on the final outcome from these false charges. Failing to take the proper steps will increase the chances of a conviction and the legal consequences in the future.
Again, get legal representation as quickly as possible and make sure you understand the legal fees and are able to pay. In most cases, you will have to provide a retainer for your solicitor and he or she will go over when additional payments will be made. If accusations of a crime, such as rape or sexual abuse, will lead to a greater risk of a conviction. You must have a strong defense case in order to prove your innocence. Therefore, you must have an solicitor who is experienced in cases such as yours. A good defense attorney will cost more but this is your life you are talking about! Most solicitors will work with you on the financial side. If you do not have a great deal of money, there are many highly qualified attorneys that a few times a year take on pro-bono cases in which they do not charge for their services. It’s worth looking into.
You will need reliable witnesses and evidence that might be available. Your defense team will gather evidence, speak with witnesses and put together your case. Therefore, be sure and give as much information as you possibly have to your defense team.
If you have someone with comprehensive information, be sure and give your attorney their name so he or she can contact them. Be sure and list any and all witnesses of the alleged crime along with character witnesses that can speak in your defense.
False Accusation Of Rape Or Sex Crimes
These cases are taken very seriously and the outcome could be terrible if you are found guilty. Sexual assault, child molestation, rape, sodomy of a minor, child pornography, and indecent exposure are some actions that fall under this category.
Rape is the most common and there are a number of men that have been accused of this crime and know how difficult it is to deal with even though they are innocent. Keep in mind, there are cases in which women have been victims of rape but there are other cases that are false. There are women who accuse a man of rape but in fact, it never happened. There are women who will go to any length to get back at an ex-boyfriend or ex-husband just for revenge. In other cases, she might make up a story to cover her own misconduct or embarrassment. In other cases, alcohol is involved which can alter someone’s memory of the events and lead to misunderstandings. In these cases, it’s really important that an innocent man is able to clear his name. In order to clear your name, follow these tips which your solicitor will also advise you on:
Do Not Let Your Emotions Get Out Of Control
It seems only natural if someone is falsely accused of a crime to confront the accuser. This will only lead to a great deal of stress and enormous levels of anger that can quickly get out of control. If you are in a confrontation, you must keep your temper under control and think clearly. Better yet, just stay away from a confrontation!
Say Away From Your Accuser
The best advice you will be given is to just stay away from your accuser. Confrontations can lead to bigger issues and could lead to losing your case. Just stay away from them. Even if you think you could talk them into dropping the charges, don’t count on it! This can lead to even more problems if she goes before the court with an accusation that you tried to coheres her. If you must meet with or contact your accuser, make sure you have a third party with you. Use text messages or emails that can be saved vs making a phone call. Phone calls can be twisted around so don’t do it.
Your Solicitor Must Be Experienced In Criminal Law
Rape cases are very serious charges, you must have a really good attorney to help you get through this. He or she will be experienced in these cases and will give you valuable advice and will guide you through the entire process. They will put together a list of witnesses and go over the details on the best way to represent you and bring it before the court.
What Is The Motivation Behind The Accusation?
The chances are good that there is a motivation behind accusations if you have been falsely accused of rape. Sit down with your attorney to find out what the motivation might be. A former spouse or partner might be trying to destroy your image out of jealousy or revenge for the breakup. The whole incident could have been consensual sex but if a drug or alcohol was present than clear thinking was thrown out the window. These are situations your attorney will bring before the court in order to clear your name!
In Conclusion
Being falsely accused of a crime is very detrimental and difficult to get through. Follow the advice of counsel and try and keep as calm as possible. Never, ever try to represent yourself in a court of law. This old adage is very true:
If you hire yourself as your lawyer, you have a fool for a lawyer!
This is a very stressful time and you need the best backing to help you get an acquittal of the charges. Hire solicitors that know what they are doing and do what they tell you to do.