What Do You Do If You're Falsely Accused of a Crime

It happens. An innocent person's life is thrown into shambles because of a false accusation.

A police officer shows up and starts asking you questions. He's saying someone accused you of rape, theft, fraud. You're innocent, but they don't believe you. You're being falsely accused. What do you do?

Here are three things you should keep in mind if you are falsely accused of a crime:

1. Don't Say Anything

Anything you say can and will be used against you. If the police show up at your door asking you questions, don't panic. Don't proclaim your innocence. Don't try to explain. Police don't have to read you your Miranda rights until you are in custody and being interrogated. This doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise your right to not say anything.

Also, don't talk with anybody else about "your side of the story." Your statements to your mother, brother, sister are not privileged, and they may be subpoenaed to testify against you later on. While statements you make to another person outside of court are usually hearsay and inadmissible, there are many exceptions. Any inconsistent statements you make can be introduced in court to discredit you. Any admissions you make can be introduced in court under the hearsay exception of party admissions.

2. Call an Attorney

The one person you should definitely talk to is an attorney. Your conversations with your attorney are protected under attorney-client privilege. So, blab away. The more information you can give your attorney, the better equipped he or she will be to:

1. Deal with the accuser's threats -- If an accuser is threatening to falsely report you to the police, your attorney may be able to convince the accuser of the error of his ways.
2. Protect you from incriminating yourself -- You are entitled to have an attorney with you whenever the police want to question you.
3. Determine if charges have actually been filed -- Have charges actually been filed? For what crimes? Are the charges misdemeanors or felonies?
4. Negotiate with the prosecutors -- If there is little or no evidence of wrongdoing on your part, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor and try to get the charges dropped or lessened, depending on the situation.
   

Even after a false accusation has been dismissed, you may still need your attorney ...

3. Sue for Defamation

. . . to sue! A false accusation doesn't just land you unfairly in jail. It can ruin your reputation. It can hamper your future career. It can cost you thousands of dollars in legal fees.

If you've been falsely accused, you may have a claim for defamation. In a claim for defamation, be it libel or slander, you would have to show that a defendant's statement to a third party harmed your reputation and caused you damages. False accusations of serious crimes are often considered libel per se.

If you've been falsely accused, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you protect your rights and assess your options.

Related Resources:

• Find Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
• Pa. Man Falsely Accused as Rapist Gets $85K (FindLaw's Injured)
• Ohio Police Apologize, Pay for False Accusation (FindLaw's Injured)
• Sexual Assault Charges Against David Copperfield Dropped (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)