“I’m falsely accused, now what do I do?”
If you are falsely accused of a felony or misdemeanor offense, do not make the mistake of taking the allegations lightly. Your best defense against a wrongful conviction is a strong, experienced defense lawyer.
Facing charges for a crime you did not commit is stressful and scary.
Individuals falsely accused of a crime often fail to hire aggressive legal representation, figuring that charges will inevitably be dropped since they are innocent. Unfortunately, this idealistic approach has caused many innocent citizens to pay for crimes they did not commit. We all read in the news each week about someone who was found to be innocent after spending decades in prison. Each of these individuals was found guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” even though they were 100% innocent of the charges.
How you choose to proceed immediately following a criminal charge or allegation is vital. Ask any attorney, and they will advise you not to speak to the police without a lawyer, even if you are innocent and have nothing to hide. Often, innocent individuals feel pressured to defend themselves or prove their innocence by cooperating with the police. When the finger of blame is pointed at you, your first inclination is to explain what happened or proclaim your innocence to the police. We advise against it. Any perceived inconsistencies in your story will be used against you in a court of law later on down the road. A detective or agent can interpret even a facial expression or movement of your body as a sign of guilt, even if you are falsely accused of a crime.
You have a constitutional right to remain silent.
Use it! Talking to law enforcement is a lose-lose proposition. There is nothing to be gained. As the saying goes, “anything you say can and will be used against you.” Because you run the risk of innocently incriminating yourself, hire a lawyer. Individuals falsely accused of a crime often feel like they can talk themselves out of charges if they talk with the police and tell their side of the story. Although this seems sensible, the reality of the situation is that agreeing to talk with the police without a lawyer is the greatest mistake a person can make under these circumstances. If you believe the police are investigating to find the truth, you’re mistaken. If the police are looking to speak with you, they probably believe you are guilty, and they are building a case. Regardless of what you say, they will twist your words to make it seem like you incriminated yourself, or at the minimum, acted suspiciously. Do not be conned or manipulated by a “friendly” officer into thinking they “just want to help.” If the police are interested in talking with you, consult with an experienced defense lawyer immediately.
What else can a lawyer do to help you if you are falsely accused of a crime?
If you are falsely accused of a crime, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can start building your defense before you are charged. In fact, an excellent lawyer may be able to prevent you from being charged with early and proactive intervention. Even if you are responsible for committing a criminal offense, the prosecution may charge you with a more serious crime than is justified by truthful facts. Criminal allegations are frequently dramatized and exaggerated by purported victims. A criminal defense attorney can do a great deal before charges are issued to improve your situation and limit the damage if you face charges in court.
Your Best Hope for a Solid Defense
The counsel and experience of a trusting, competent attorney can make all the difference if you are falsely accused of a crime. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., one of Michigan’s top legal firms, has helped thousands of clients through every step of the process. Too many individuals do not even know when they are being asked illegal questions or are falling prey to unfair interrogation techniques. We protect you. We fight for you.
Innocent people are accused of crimes, such as assault and battery, domestic violence, OWI, financial crimes, and rape every day. These crimes carry the potential for jail or prison time if you are found guilty. Even when the accuser comes forward and admits to the lie or an exaggeration, prosecutors are generally unwilling to dismiss charges. A mere arrest can cause the accused to experience a lost job or a damaged reputation. The Criminal Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C can help you avoid a potential loss of freedom and financially devastating consequences of charges or a conviction.
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you and, most importantly,
we are not afraid to win!
