The United States justice system is designed to protect all citizens and ensure that the innocent go free, and the guilty are punished. Even though it’s fair and reasonable at its core, it doesn’t always live out its purpose, and in the worst-case scenario, you might find yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Being falsely accused of a crime initiates a ripple effect that can negatively impact your family life, workplace, and anything else that’s close to you. If you have been charged with a crime that you did not commit, then this article can guide you through the steps you should take to prove your innocence.
Get a Lawyer
No matter how egregious the accusation is, do not hesitate to get a lawyer. You may be tempted to think that because you are completely innocent that the judge will have no other choice but to toss out the case. This is sadly not the case, and you will need the help of a lawyer to demonstrate your innocence to the courts.
Hiring someone like Jason A. Volet is the first step you must take if you want to avoid paying fees or serving time for a crime you did not commit. Make sure to not speak to the police and request a lawyer immediately if you do not have one.
Remain Silent
The only thing that should be said to the police is your request for a lawyer. If you’re innocent, telling the police your side will not help you—-only silence will. Police will not arrest someone who they believe is innocent, and there’s nothing you can say that will change their minds. Don’t forget that everything you say to them can potentially worsen your situation and be used against you in court.
Do Not Resist Arrest
If you are being arrested, nothing you say or do at that moment will change that and will only complicate your case. Be respectful and compliant, and later you will get your chance in court to argue your case.
Prepare Your Finances
Proving innocence is a long, expensive path through the court system. It is imperative that you pull out all the stops to ensure you are not wrongly convicted. If you are charged with a particularly heinous crime such as abuse or assault of any kind, then the possibility of conviction is high, and you need to get all the legal help possible regardless of the cost.
Your life and name are at risk of being tarnished forever, and going through the proper legal channels is the only option you have of getting out unscathed.
Remember to document all of the costs incurred during this process. If you decide to sue for defamation or libel later, then you can get a settlement that covers all the financial burden this accusation caused you.
Do Not Contact the Accuser
Depending on the relationship you have with the accuser, you may be tempted to contact them. Understand that this could make a bad situation even worse. If you speak directly to them after you’ve been charged, then you risk even more accusations being made against you.
Educate Yourself
Make sure you learn as much about court proceedings as you can. Even though your lawyer will be guiding you, it will help you understand your lawyer better if you have some kind of education on the process.
You should also research what should be expected of your lawyer. It’s important that both of you hold up your ends of the agreement so that things go smoothly.
Gather Evidence
This is one of the primary factors that will be utilized to prove you are not guilty of the crime you’re being accused of. Believe that the prosecutor will be gathering as much evidence as possible to pin against you, and you should have plenty that works against it. Document everything you can—-calls, texts, receipts of any kind, and more—-that could work in your favor in court.
Do Not Take the Plea Deal
The prosecution will offer you a plea deal to tempt you into confessing. They will scare you by describing the maximum sentence and offering you leniency if you admit to the crime. Although you might be scared and ready for this all to be over, do not take the plea deal. Listen to your lawyer and never admit to anything that cannot be proven.
If all of these steps are followed closely, then it’s more likely that you will come out of it with an unblemished record. It might be expensive and exhausting, but remember that your life hangs on your ability to remain calm and follow-through in the proper legal channels to ensure you are proven innocent.
