False Accusations and What You Can Do!

Posted in General,News on May 27, 2020

The United States has an unusually high arrest rate compared to many other developed countries. Having a brush with the law and being charged with a crime—whether rightly or wrongly―is not at all uncommon during a lifetime. Although this is the case, you don’t have to stand for being falsely accused.

According to some estimates, about one in every three Americans has a criminal record of some kind. A criminal conviction can mean loss of your freedom, your good name, your civil rights, your right to own a firearm, and much more. You could be separated from your family and friends, and you might have difficulty obtaining housing, employment, certain types of professional licenses, and even access to higher education.

Too many people make the mistake of assuming that if they tell the arresting law enforcement officer their side of the story, everything will be fine, and they’ll be sent home without being charged. Although the law requires police to first read you your Miranda Rights, police officers are nevertheless trained to encourage people to submit to an interrogation without having an attorney present; and they may use inappropriate tactics to attempt to coerce a confession from you. You may assume that if you are innocent of any wrongdoing or have a rational explanation for your actions, there is no reason not to cooperate. This is simply not true, and regardless of your innocence or guilt, you should never, under any circumstances, answer any questions until you have a criminal defense lawyer present to ensure that your constitutional rights are being upheld. Although we would like to think our criminal justice system works perfectly, we know that it doesn’t.

False accusations are real and unfortunately take place every day across the globe. How our criminal justice system works is on the presumption that the alleged victim is right, and you are wrong. Then it comes down to what you can prove.
The law states, every person who shall knowingly make or cause a false statement of crime, either oral, or written, with intent that it be relied upon by a police office of any city or town or by any member of the state police, shall be deemed guilty of obstructing a police officer, can be charged a fine, and spend time behind bars. Here are steps you can take to help protect yourself:

1. Contact the Law Offices of Stefanie A. Murphy Immediately
Legal guidance is needed, and we will always have your best interest in mind. Your first consultation is free, so avail yourself of your right to counsel before you say anything at all.

2. Notify Your Friends and Family
You need your support system more than ever. Inform them of the situation so they do not also fall victim to any false accusations. Friends and family are also a strong line of defense in court as they know you well and can speak to your true character.

3. Avoid Actions That Can Be Used Against You in Court
The prosecution can and often will build a stronger case based on any reckless actions. No matter how upsetting this can be, let us take the appropriate action for you!

4. Take Care
This is the most important step because you and your wellbeing come first, always! This is a stressful time, but you do not have to go through this alone. Some things you can do to aid with anger, anxiety, sadness, and anything else you may be feeling is exercise, leaning heavily on your support system and talking to a professional for emotional support and mental clarity.

The sooner you put Stefanie A. Murphy to work for your false criminal charges in Rhode Island, the better the chance of avoiding the worst possible consequences you could be facing. Don’t assume the problem will go away; it probably won’t on its own. Call the Law Offices of Stefanie A. Murphy immediately if you are confronted by police, questioned or arrested. Your initial consultation is always free, and your rights will be protected.

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