Being wrongly accused of any crime can be extremely upsetting and frustrating, and so following the right steps ensures that you don’t get punished for a crime that you did not commit. While it may be difficult, don’t let your feelings get the best of you. Here are the steps you should take if you have been wrongly accused of something.
Know Your Rights
The first thing that you must do is stay calm. For many people, this can be extremely hard to do, and for some, this is what ends up with them being charged for the crime they didn’t commit. This is due to the fact they say things in anger, frustration, or worry. It may be that you make up a lie to get out of it as you are so worried of the consequences despite the fact you are innocent.
Anything you say will be used against you and so it is best to not say anything at all until you are in a better position. It only takes you to say something in a panic and then contradict yourself and they have a case against you. Remember, you have the right to remain silent, so use it wisely. You also have the right to an attorney and so you should utilize this before you speak to anyone else, even if you are innocent.
Speak to An Attorney
Once you have been accused of a crime, you need to find a criminal defense lawyer who can fight your case. This needs to be one that is within your budget and that you can trust. Charleston Law specialize in many cases including arson, criminal sexual conduct (CSC) and embezzlement and have extensive experience in working cases such as these. Choosing a criminal defense attorney who has previously worked in similar cases means they know what evidence you need and have expertise in the area, meaning you are more likely to get the outcome that you deserve.
Collecting Evidence
Once you have spoken with a trusted attorney, it is time to collect the essential evidence needed to fight your case. It can be difficult knowing what you need, but one of the things you need to know is if there is CCTV in the place where the crime took place. It could be that you have been set up and a simple search through CCTV could prove your innocence. If you weren’t at the place at the alleged time of the crime, then find any evidence you can to prove this.
If you were at work or with someone, this is much easier than if you were alone. If you were alone, you need to remember exactly what you were doing, what you may have been watching, or if you were using your phone. This can be traced back and may help in your defense. If there are any potential witnesses out there that could prove your innocence, tell your attorney so they can begin collecting witness statements.
Stay neutral and find an attorney that you can trust. With their help you can begin building up a strong case to prove your innocence. You may also contact a bail bonds agency to help you in posting bail.
