How To Defend Yourself In Court Against False Accusations

Consult an Attorney, and If Possible, Hire One

If you’re charged with a criminal offense, you really want to hire an attorney, considering that you could be facing jail time. However, hiring an attorney is still likely to be your best bet, even if you are dealing with a civil case involving false accusations. Yes, you know that you are innocent of whatever you’ve been accused of, but proving it is a completely different thing altogether. Attorneys have been trained specifically to be able to navigate the legal system, a system that is not always easy to understand. That’s without even stepping foot into the courtroom – understanding legal terminology, what is appropriate to file, and what is best presented in another format are all important aspects of wandering through the justice system. Once in the courtroom itself, procedural rules must be followed, and when you represent yourself, or are pro se, you still are expected to follow the rules just as an attorney would.

Build A Defense

The first step in building a defense is gathering evidence. As mentioned before, it can be difficult to prove you didn’t do something, so every piece of evidence is important, even if you think it isn’t. Keep clear records if you have any inkling that there could be an issue with someone, such as a coworker, neighbor, or significant other. This can help you remember what happened when and keep you from looking like you are lying when maybe you’ve simply forgotten details. Keep track of documents, emails, text messages, et cetera, that could be used as evidence. It will also make it easier to locate this information if you keep notes on when things happened. Additionally, if you have an attorney, if communication between you and your accuser becomes a problem, your attorney can intercede so that there aren’t further accusations. Another aspect of gathering evidence and building a defense is challenging the credibility of your accuser. Maybe they have a history of filing false accusations against people or have an underlying motive to remove you from the situation, such as a coworker wanting your position or your spouse wanting custody of your children. False accusations, also referred to as false allegations, are just that – alleged – meaning that just because someone accuses you of something does not automatically convict you. But keeping your emotions in check, consulting with and hiring an attorney, and building a defense are necessary steps in finding justice for yourself.