Responding to False Accusations of a Crime

 

Exercise caution after you’ve been falsely accused of a crime

Sometimes a fight or disagreement can get out of hand. In some cases, it goes beyond the heat of the moment into a false accusation against you. This can be frustrating, and can create real problems for you. If someone has accused you of something you didn’t do, respond carefully. If things escalate, it may be time to seek an attorney’s help.

Talking to the Police

Depending on what someone accuses you of doing, you may receive a visit from the police. You may be tempted to tell them everything. After all, if you didn’t do anything wrong, what can the harm be? If they have someone else’s story already, that unfortunately colors what they think going in. This may mean your innocent story sounds like a lie, or like incriminating information. Exercise your right to remain silent.

Giving Your Side of the Story

Even if you don’t talk to the police, you may want to tell your side of what happened to friends or strangers you encounter. Be wary of this. Just like the classic game of telephone, your story can sound different by the time other people tell what they remember you saying. If you have to go to court, anyone you talk to might become a witness against you. Keep quiet to protect yourself.

Finding a Legal Defense–Or Claim

The exception, of course, is your lawyer. If a false accusation turns into legal trouble for you, you need to contact an experienced attorney. Tell him or her what happened, and how it got to this point. An attorney can help with the criminal defense.

If you have been falsely accused of a crime, don’t talk too much, but don’t wait to see what happens either. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices online or at (608)256-8356 to schedule an appointment to protect your legal rights.

This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/responding-to-false-accusations-of-a-crime/.