Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit can be shocking. You may be asking yourself, how did this happen to me? How can I prove my innocence? What will happen to my loved ones if I go to prison?

When you’re innocent, it’s easy to feel powerless. But that’s not true. The legal system in the United States is designed to give you many constitutional rights that are designed to protect you at every stage of the criminal justice process.

If you’re falsely accused of a crime and facing criminal charges, you need to know your rights and understand the process. And then you need to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer for help.

Actions to Avoid When You’re Falsely Accused

When you’ve been charged with a crime, the last thing you want to do is make things worse. Here are some actions you should definitely try to avoid after arrest.

Don’t talk to the police. You are completely within your rights if you don’t speak at all and even decline to sign a waiver of rights form that states you agree to talk and understand your rights.

Don’t make any statements about your innocence. It’s tempting when you know someone has falsely accused you of a crime to tell them off or defend yourself against the allegations that they’re making against you. However, anything, and we mean anything, that you say could end up being used against you later on in court.

If there is evidence that supports your innocence, then it’s better just let your lawyer handle representing your side of the story rather than trying to explain yourself in person or through text messages or emails that can be easily accessed by  prosecutors during their investigation.

That brings us to the issue of social media. Don’t go on social media sites where others may be able to see what you’re posting online about the charges against you. This is the number one mistake most people make these days when they’re accused of a crime. Resist the urge to post anything.

We understand. It’s easy for an innocent person to make mistakes that could hurt their case. All your friends and family are probably concerned and asking you what happened, but you’ll be able to fill them in at a later date. At least talk to a lawyer first.

It’s important to remember that the law is designed to protect the accused person as well as society at large. You do have rights.

Mount a Defense with Help From a Lawyer

Whatever the circumstances of your situation, you need legal representation that will be committed to getting you the best possible outcome.

The lawyers at Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC want to help you mount a defense and challenge the prosecution’s case against you. We understand how difficult it is to be falsely accused of a crime, and we will make every effort to clear your good name and get a favorable resolution for you. Call 817-334-7900 or fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation with our team.