What Happens If You’re Being Wrongfully Accused of a Crime?

Being falsely accused of a crime is a fairly common occurrence and when it happens, the results can be devastating. When innocent people are wrongfully accused of a crime, the most common mistake is a false confession under pressure. Nobody should make this mistake. When a person is falsely accused of a crime, they could be facing the full penalties associated with the crime they’re accused of.

Proving a person’s innocence can be difficult, though not impossible. If a person is wrongfully accused of a crime, but not charged with the crime, the first step should be hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney for legal counsel through the process. In the meantime, it is important for the accused to refrain from being in contact with the accuser. Speaking to an accuser can make room for more miscommunication and leave a person in deeper trouble than what they bargained for.

If a person is formally charged with with the wrongful accusations, the accused will need legal counsel to proceed. Common forms of defense begin with a thorough investigation, taking stock of whatever evidence a prosecutor has, and weighing its value and relevance to the charges. Both the defense and the prosecution make their case and a jury then decides whether or not the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sometimes the case goes beyond whether or not the accused has done it or not, and the opportunity for a plea bargain to come up. Though that may seem stressful and unnecessary to those who did not commit a crime to begin with, it can be a helpful alternative in a situation in which it appears the accused will be found guilty.

If you or someone you know has been falsely accused of a crime, you need an aggressive and experienced attorney who could assist with a proper defense. Don’t wait: Contact John W. Tumelty today to discuss your defense options by calling 609.385.4010 or by filling out the online contact form.