Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is never a pleasant experience. When cops show up to arrest you, it can feel like your life is flashing before your eyes. You may go through various emotions, from disbelief to anger to fear.
It’s important to stay calm and collected if you got accused of a crime you didn’t commit. The decisions you make in the early stages of your case can significantly impact the outcome. If legal authorities start approaching with intent to arrest, you must start thinking of a game plan, even if the cuffs begin to distract you.
Here are the things you should do when you find yourself in a drastic situation.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
When the police arrest you, they will read you the Miranda rights. It is a list of your constitutional rights when questioned by the police. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from self-incrimination. You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions until you speak to an attorney.
When the police start getting aggressive and begin to make moves to arrest you, it can be a very frightening experience. Many people often panic in this situation, leading to disastrous consequences. For example, you may try to run away or resist arrest, resulting in a violent altercation with the police. You might give authorities information that could criminalize you, even if you did not do anything.
Staying calm might be challenging, especially with your heart pounding uncontrollably. However, preservation matters more in that situation, and remaining silent will help you get out of the problem quicker.
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney
The best thing you can do when accused of a crime is to hire an attorney specializing in criminal defense law. They will know how to protect your rights and guide you through the complicated legal process.
A criminal defense attorney will also negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf and work towards getting the charges dropped or reduced.
If you have any evidence or alibis that can prove you are innocent, it is essential to tell you’re criminal defense attorney about them as soon as possible. They can use this information to build a strong case and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. If the case goes to trial, your attorney will present this information in court to prove your innocence.
Negotiate with the Other Party
If you have been accused of a crime by another individual, you may be able to resolve the issue without involving law enforcement or going to court. It is especially true for petty crimes like vandalism or trespassing.
The first step is to try to talk to the person who accused you of the crime. If they are willing to listen, explain your side of the story and try to agree. You may be able to offer them compensation for the damages you allegedly caused.
In some cases, the other party may be willing to drop the charges if you apologize and agree to pay for the damages. However, this will only work if the crime is minor and there are no witnesses.
If you want to maintain your innocence, you should avoid admitting to any guilt, even if it’s to get the other person to drop the charges. Once you acknowledge that you committed the crime, it will be challenging to convince a judge or jury of your innocence.
Prepare for the Worst
Even if you are innocent, it is essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario. You should be ready for the possibility of going to jail or prison.
You should start by saving money so you can afford bail if necessary. Bail is a sum of money that you pay to the court to get released from jail before your trial. The amount of bail varies depending on the severity of the crime.
Other options are available if you cannot afford to pay bail, such as a surety bond. In this case, a bail bond agent can get you out for a fee.
It is also essential to have someone you can rely on, such as a family member or friend, to take care of your responsibilities, such as paying your bills, if you get incarcerated.
Keep in mind that even if you are innocent, the criminal justice system is not perfect. There have been many cases of innocent people getting convicted of crimes they did not commit.
That’s why it’s essential to have a solid defense and stay prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion
If you got accused of a crime, the best you can do is remain calm and call a criminal defense attorney. It will be necessary to prepare your next steps for this situation as it will not be a pleasant situation. However, you can find your way out of it.
