How to Defend Against False Allegations

If you have been accused of a crime, having a top notch criminal defense attorney is key.

How to Defend Against False Allegations

Every day, we hear stories of people being hurt — physically, sexually, and otherwise victimized. While many of these crime reports are undoubtedly true, there are some percentage of them that are false. Perhaps the alleged crime never happened, or it didn’t happen as the victim claimed. Or maybe it was a case of mistaken identity, and the person accused of a crime is completely innocent. So what can you do if you have been falsely accused of a crime?

One of the most important things that you can do if someone has made false allegations against you is to remember your rights. Under the Constitution, you have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. It may be tempting to try to explain your side of the story to law enforcement, but as an experienced Riverside criminal defense attorney can explain, that rarely works. The police are looking to solve a case, and talking to them without a lawyer rarely helps. Instead, it may result in you being charged with a crime.

Next, you should talk to a lawyer. Consulting with a skilled Riverside criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and your options as you decide how to handle your case. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, where you can get a better sense of how you will work with them. Remember that your lawyer is ethically bound to maintain confidentiality, and to represent your best interests.

Once you have chosen the right Riverside criminal defense attorney for you, start building your case. One of the best ways to start is by creating a timeline of what happened, including any relevant evidence. For example, if you were accused of sexual assault on a particular day, you can make a list of what you were actually doing on that day, and who can give a statement backing up your version of events. That can help to prove that the allegations against you are false, or are a case of mistaken identity. Your lawyer can use this timeline and list of witnesses and other evidence to investigate the case and develop a strategy. Importantly, the documents that you prepare for your attorney cannot be discovered by the prosecution.

You may have an impression from television or movies that the criminal justice process is swift. With few exceptions, it is not. You will likely wait months (or longer) to clear your name, particularly if the case goes to trial. During this time, you will need to be extremely careful of what you say and do. Avoid talking about your case with anyone, including with friends and family. Never discuss it on social media. Stay out of situations where you could be accused of a similar crime, and away from the alleged victim of the case. While it may take some time to resolve, making smart choices while the case is ongoing can help make sure that you achieve the best possible outcome.

If you have been charged with a crime, a skilled Riverside criminal defense attorney can help. The Chambers Law Firm represents people in Riverside and the surrounding areas who have been charged with a range of California crimes. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.

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