Nobody expects to get accused of a crime that they did not commit, but these things can happen. Being accused of any kind of crime will always be upsetting, stressful, and difficult, but particularly if it is something serious with the potential for time in jail. It is important that you have faith in the justice system, but you must also know how to react in this situation so that you are able to clear your name sooner rather than later and move on with your life. Here is all that you need to know if you ever find yourself accused of a crime that you did not commit.
Exercise Right To Stay Silent
You will be desperate to prove your innocence and avoid arrest at first, which is perfectly natural. It could actually be damaging to say anything during this time because you may twist up your words in a state of panic which could make it harder to clear your name down the line. Instead, stay quiet and wait until you have a lawyer present.
Find An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Following this, you then need to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense attorney who will work on your behalf to prove your innocence, provide support and help you every step of the way during this stressful experience.
Build Your Case
Your criminal defense attorney will then work on your behalf, but you can help them to build your case. You can do this by getting in touch with anyone who can vouch for you or anyone who was a witness, by collecting any evidence which could clear your name and by gathering any necessary documentation. You should never destroy evidence which could hurt your case and avoid making any contact with the accuser as this can only make matters worse and cast you in a suspicious light. It is also important to avoid social media during this time.
Try To Maintain Normal Life
This is an emotional and strange experience to go through, which can take its toll. Although it is difficult, it is vital that you try to maintain your normal life as best as you can. This should include finding ways to relax, exercising, eating a healthy diet, socializing, and getting enough sleep. This will help you to stay healthy during this time and avoid creating too much disruption to important areas of your life, such as work and your relationships.
Find Support
Similarly, you need to find support to manage during this challenging period. Do not be surprised if some people distance themselves from you during this time but make sure that you have people around you who can provide emotional support as you are sure to need it.
It is a horrible feeling to be accused of a crime that you did not commit. You will be desperate to prove your innocence, but you must know how to react in this situation and go through the proper procedure so that you can clear your name and move on from this experience.
