When you are accused of a crime you did not commit many things could be running through your mind. Your next steps will be crucial. Emotions run high at times like these, so it’s important to know what you need to do. Here are some tips to help you out:
Stay calm
Remember that an arrest is not a conviction. The presumption of innocence is applicable for everybody, meaning each person arrested is innocent until proven guilty. Stay calm and keep your composure.
Contact your lawyer
You have the right to legal representation, which means you can call an experienced lawyers in Townsville or nearby areas immediately after you get arrested. An attorney can speak with the police on your behalf and give you appropriate legal counsel about the matter.
Don’t make any statements
You don’t have to make any statements until a lawyer gets to the police station. When they arrive, they can help you decide whether making a statement or continuing questioning is the best course of action for now.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent. If police officers are hounding you or using abusive tactics to get a statement out of you, stay calm and don’t say anything. Making any inaccurate statements can complicate your case and lead you to say something that is not 100% true.
Don’t lie
This is a no-brainer, but in the heat of the moment, you may blurt out an untrue statement. If you say something in the presence of an officer, it will be considered as factual. And if they prove your statements to be wrong, officers will see you as a liar and may charge you for it.
Ask to see a search warrant
If the police show up on your doorstep with a search warrant you are allowed to read it in detail. A search warrant is a form signed by a judge, which describes what the officers are looking for. Take note that they are only allowed to look for what is stated in the warrant.
False accusations usually don’t have enough support from a probable cause, so your accuser may not get a search warrant in the first place.
Gather evidence
With the help of an attorney, you can gather evidence to support your innocence. Valid evidence includes physical evidence (clothes, pictures, videos, objects, etc.) and documents or records (e.g. letters, emails, receipts, etc.). You and your lawyer must also make a list of the evidence on the crime scene and possible eyewitnesses to the crime.
Do not, under any circumstances, destroy any evidence that you think may incriminate you. Doing so can make you look more suspicious and can earn you more charges.
Don’t talk to the accuser
It’s normal to feel anger, hate, or frustration towards the person or persons who accused you of the crime. However, it’s important that you don’t make any contact with the “victims” to avoid any additional charges.
These are the first things you need to do if you are falsely accused of a crime. Work closely with your lawyer while deciding what to do next.
