4 Crucial Things To Remember if You Are Facing False Accusations
Unfortunately, in our society, sometimes people are accused of crimes they did not commit. Not only are people accused of crimes they did not commit, but there are also people who are wrongfully convicted on false allegations. Being falsely accused of a crime can make you feel angry and helpless. However, it is crucial to remember that you can beat false allegations. This article shares four vital things to remember when facing false accusations.
- You Have the Right To Hire a Defense Attorney
Every person facing criminal charges, regardless of the strength of the State’s case, has the right to seek legal representation. While you are not legally required to hire an attorney, hiring one is highly advisable, especially if you are facing false allegations. Do not make the mistake of thinking you don’t need an attorney because you know you are innocent. The State filed charges because they believe they can convict you at a trial. A defense attorney can help you in various ways, including providing legal guidance, explaining your rights, investigating your case, negotiating with the prosecutor, and protecting your rights. A qualified attorney can help you build a strategy for fighting the accusations against you. They can help you overcome the State’s evidence. .
- The Prosecutor Has the Burden of Proof
The second crucial thing to remember when facing false criminal allegations is that you are innocent until proven guilty. This is known as the presumption of innocence. It is up to the prosecution to prove your guilt. You cannot be convicted until the prosecutor has proven you committed the crime. The requirement that the prosecution prove its case before you can be convicted offers an advantage since cases involving false allegations usually rely on the accuser’s word. The prosecutor might be unable to find enough evidence to support its case against you, resulting in them being unable to meet the burden of proof, which would lead to your charges being dropped.
- The Prosecutor Must Prove Their Case Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
Not only is the prosecution required to prove its case before it can secure a conviction, but it must do so beyond a reasonable doubt. Generally, this means the prosecution’s evidence must be so compelling and convincing that there is no reasonable doubt regarding your guilt in the jurors’ minds. There should not be a reasonable alternative explanation that can be derived from the evidence.
- You Can Challenge the Evidence Against You
As a criminal defendant, you have the right to challenge the evidence against you. This is done through trial. At trial you have the right to cross-examine the witnesses presented by the prosecution. Through cross-examination, you can challenge the witnesses’ credibility and reliability. You can expose any inconsistencies or biases in witness statements. You also have the right to raise objections to the admission of evidence you believe is unreliable, irrelevant, or prejudicial.
Contact an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been wrongly accused of a crime, you need an attorney who can take swift action to protect you. Contact a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer at Rigney Law LLC at 317-623-0989 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/presumption_of_innocence
