What to do if you have been falsely accused of a crime?

1.     Stay calm

It is natural to immediately feel angry and upset. However, it is important to remain calm so that you can process the options and make good decisions moving forward.

2.     Speak to a criminal lawyer

As soon as possible, contact a criminal defence lawyer who can advise you the options and the chances of defending the charge. They can also advise you any preparation you should undertake, such as listing potential witnesses, downloading phone records, and requesting CCTV footage. All of this could be time sensitive and so it is crucial to secure this evidence early.

3.     Retain your right to silence

Your immediate reaction may be to speak to the police or even the alleged victim, to clear up any misunderstanding of the situation. However, it is crucial to speak to a lawyer first because everything you say could be used against you.

Also, if you directly speak to the victim or witnesses, you could be charged with harassing or intimidating witnesses, or attempting to pervert the course of justice. These allegations can affect your prospects on any bail application and may also result in further charges.

4.     Stay positive and maintain a good support network

Criminal charges often affect a person’s mental and physical health.

It is crucial at times like this to turn to your closest friends or family. We often find that loved ones are there unconditionally to offer support. We encourage you to accept this as it will be easier to get through the process.

Lawyers often welcome support persons to join conferences as this provides emotional support and someone you can talk to about the lawyer’s advice. Just ensure that the persons are not associated with the charge and could not become witnesses down the track.