New Jersey Criminal Lawyers Blog
False accusations are not as unusual as one may think, and they can take a heavy toll on the accused emotionally, raising feelings of anger, fear and frustration. Whether they are the result of mistaken identity, a misunderstanding, or malicious intent, false accusations are serious matters that can severely damage the accused’s reputation, relationships, and future opportunities depending on the nature of the claim.
If you find yourself falsely accused of a crime, your instinct may be to protest the claim to clear your name, but being reactive may only escalate matters. Take the accusations and their potential consequences seriously. Don’t assume that because you are innocent, the accusations will just go away. Be prepared to take actions to protect yourself.
- Stay calm and consider exercising your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Even innocent statements can be misinterpreted when taken out of context. Avoid making statements without presence of legal counsel.