Facing a criminal charge can be among the most stressful situations anyone can go through. The situation is even worse if you face charges for a crime you never committed.
Most people think they will get off the hook easily if they are innocent of the crime.
Unfortunately, many make mistakes that, at times, result in dire consequences to them.
The good news is that knowing the dos and don’ts of navigating a false accusation can make a big difference.
That’s why we have compiled several crucial steps you may need to take under such circumstances to better your outcomes.
- Understand the Matter
One way of telling you you are under investigation for a crime would be when you receive a call from a law enforcement officer seeking to talk. The other way is when the police show up at work, home, or any other place seeking to talk to you.
There are only two reasons the police would want to talk to you; if you are a suspect in the crime or are a witness. So before taking any steps, you should first seek to understand their reason for wanting to talk to you.
If the line of questioning suggests that you could be a person of interest, you can refuse to take questions by invoking your right to silence. You do not have to answer questions if you are under arrest; instead, ask to have a lawyer.
- Stay Silent
The most important thing when facing accusations is understanding your rights. First, understand that the law presumes you are innocent until you are proven guilty. Also, the Fifth Amendments protect defendants in a criminal case from self-incrimination by invoking their rights to silence.
Many innocent defendants think they will help prove their innocence by talking to the police.
Unfortunately, the police are more interested in proving a defendant’s guilt, not innocence. The more you talk, the more they may try to manipulate your words which can result in self-inclination.
Whether you are under arrest or investigation, invoke your rights to silence and seek to have a lawyer present if you have to answer questions.
- Contact an Attorney
Invoking your right to silence cannot guarantee your freedom. The right to remain silent is only meant to protect you from self-incrimination.
The best way of proving your innocence is to involve a lawyer in your case. The court will assign a public defender to your case if you do not have or cannot afford one. After getting a lawyer, you can share your truth with them and leave the rest to them.
When choosing a lawyer, you must consider their experience in similar crimes and their success record. Also, their geographical area of practice is very important.
For example, if you are facing charges in Middlesex, criminal attorneys serving Middlesex County will be your best pick. Such lawyers understand the local judicial system, meaning they can provide better representation than a lawyer from another county.
- Avoid Talking About Your Case on Social Media
In today’s social media age, most people want to post their highs and lows on social media. Most people see social media as the place they get justice for the injustices of the real world. The problem with posting your case on social media is the prosecution could find something in there that could make your situation direr.
Also, if you post your case on social media and the court gets to know it, it could paint you in bad light with the judge and the jury, and the last thing you want is to make the jury have a preconception of guilt before they hear the entire case.
Matters about your case should remain exclusively between you, your lawyer, and the courtroom, and it’s best to avoid talking about it even if it’s shared with a friend.
- Follow Your Lawyers’ Leading
The goal of every lawyer is to have the best outcome possible for their clients. When seeking the best outcome, your lawyer may suggest some actions you may not agree with.
For example, if the odds are way against you, they could recommend that you take a plea bargain which may feel unjust to you. If the plea bargain gives a better outcome than risking a conviction with the crime on your charge, you will be better off taking one.
