Being falsely accused of a crime is a very scary thought, and if you are convicted, your life could be unfairly changed and you could face penalties for a crime you did not commit. As such, it is important to take action to protect yourself as soon as possible if you have been falsely accused of a crime in Massachusetts. Here are some steps you should take when facing criminal accusations:
1. Do Not Offer the Police Any Information
Consider a situation in which the police knock on your door, and say they have some questions for you. Maybe they tell you that someone has accused you of a crime; maybe they don’t, and just start asking you personal questions, like what you were doing last weekend. If this happens, it is critical that you do not offer the police any information. In fact, even information that may seem completely harmless and innocent to you should be kept to yourself. Tell the police officers that you would like to speak with an attorney before answering any of their questions.
It is important that you also refuse to allow the police to perform any searches that are unwarranted. For example, if the police ask to search your home or your car, say no.
2. Hire an Experienced Attorney
If you are falsely accused of a crime – or worse, falsely charged – you need to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney. While working towards a conviction of innocence with the help of a talented criminal defense attorney may prove to be an expensive and time consuming undertaking, it is much better than being convicted of a crime that you did not commit, and having to deal with the penalties of that as such.
Make sure you choose an attorney who is committed to fighting for your innocence rather than just accepting a plea bargain. Plea bargains can be tempting to take when the odds are stacked against you, but if you are innocent, you have the right to defend yourself against charges, and should do so.
3. Gather Evidence
If there is any evidence of your innocence that can be used to vindicate you, you need to gather it as soon as possible. For example, if you are accused of domestic violence, the testimony of neighbors, friends, and family will be critical for you case. If you speak with the person who accused you, be sure to record any conversations, as they accuser may say something that vindicates you.
Contact Our Law Offices Today
At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, our experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney has handled numerous false accusation cases, and knows how upsetting being falsely accused of a crime can be. If you find yourself in a situation where you are facing criminal accusations or charges for something you did not do, please contact Paul Moraski for a free consultation. You can reach Paul on his cellphone today at (978) 397-0011.