mdolla: Top 7 Lines of Action to Take When Accused of a Crime

False allegations can be so devastating than anything you can ever imagine. Unhappily, these occur all too often. Even with the advance of technology, innocent people are imprisoned wrongfully whenever they are accused of crimes they did not commit. Their lives change from regular activities to finding themselves in police interrogation rooms, being asked horrible questions about what they are clueless about. If you ever find yourself in this kind of awkward situation, here are some things that you must do to help prove that you are innocent.

1. Get a respectable lawyer without delay

Getting an attorney is the very first things you should consider doing. Indeed, you should do this before communicating with any authorities. After reading your rights, you have the right to request for an attorney right away; when doing so, choose a reputable one. This person may be the only one who is capable of helping you get out of this terrifying situation quickly. Therefore, it will be wise to hire one or accept one as soon as you can. Speak to the attorney about exactly what has happened and follow his/her advice as closely as possible. The attorney is the person that has in-depth knowledge of court proceedings and the necessary steps that should be followed by you and the legal team. If he/she doesn’t appear interested or doesn’t want to listen to you, then you need to find someone else immediately.

2. Be honest and make yourself available to your attorney

Staying honest with the lawyer representing you is essential. Answer all the questions asked openly and hide nothing from your lawyer, even if the answers are embarrassing. The attorney has the duty of secrecy to you, and many of these details will never be disclosed. In reality, unless it is for your defense and you approve of its use, whatever you tell your lawyer is kept confidential. Work openly with your attorney as best as you can. Provide all the necessary information they request, make all appointments, appear at any meeting that they schedule. This will prove to your attorney that you have nothing hidden.

3. Secure any evidence quickly

Inform your legal team about any evidence that can be used to direct the authorities to the actual person who committed the crime (if you know who did and have solid proof). If you have any evidence that can support your defense, then you have to inform your legal team immediately. All you can remember, even if it seems unimportant, it could be the solution that will let you out of the situation and sight of the authorities.

4. Think of any witness related to the event

If there is anyone who saw you and can validate your alibi or support the fact that you are innocent, even if you don’t know the person by name, it is important to give a good description of your contact with such person as at the time you are where you said you were. Such person may be able to be tracked down to verify your story. Any details you can recall about a person can be useful. In addition to the person’s appearance, think about the kind of vehicle the person drove, who the person might have been with, or where you have encountered the person before. Put down on paper anything you know about the person as soon as possible, so you don’t forget.

5. If possible, don’t talk to your accusers

They are the people who want you to undergo punishment for a crime you didn’t commit. Don’t tell them something that they will try to turn around on you and make you look guilty. The best decision is to stay away from those people that have accused you of a crime. If they are the authorities, remember your rights. Cooperate with them as much as possible, but don’t be scared to have a legal team at present to support you.

6. Remember that it is sometimes good not to say anything

Avoid been coerced to say something that can be used against you. If you’re terrified to say anything, then the best thing to do doesn’t mean anything at all. Wait until you can speak to your lawyer and try to be brave. Chances are, the whole matter will be cleared up and you will be able to continue your normal life quickly.

7. Document all you have experienced

Once you are released out of jail or away from the police station, go home and document all you can remember about your experience with the police and the event that is in question. Search for any evidence that can support your claims such as work schedules and receipts. Photocopy all this information and submit the original copy to your attorney. However, it is essential to remember not to do this while in police custody, the interrogation room, or jail, as you aren’t subjected to privacy in these instances.

False accusation is more common than we’d like to imagine. Knowing the right things to do and how to respond whenever this type of accusation occurs will make all the difference in the outcome of those charges.

Featured photo credit: Imcreator via imcreator.com

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