What To Do About False Allegations in Texas

The criminal justice system in Texas exists to punish those who break the law and to protect law-abiding citizens. However, some people choose to misuse this system. When someone makes a false allegation of criminal conduct, innocent people can face public scorn as well as criminal penalties.

These kinds of false allegations are very serious and it is against the law to falsely accuse someone of a crime. However, some people choose to break the law by making untrue accusations. If you are falsely accused of violating the law, there are steps that you can take to defend yourself.

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Why Are False Allegations Made?

False allegations of criminal behavior can occur for a variety of reasons. However, they almost never happen at random. In most cases, a person is falsely accused of committing a crime when they are involved in a personal dispute of some kind. One of the most common reasons for making a false allegation is revenge or personal animosity. Simply put, a person who makes a false allegation wants to get another person in trouble to punish or hurt them.

For example, false allegations commonly occur in broken relationships. A family member or romantic partner who feels hurt or angered by someone they know may make a false allegation to tarnish the reputation of a person who has angered them.

In other cases, people who are mentally or emotionally disturbed may believe that they have been wronged by another person. Even though no law has been broken, a person who is unstable may make false allegations when they believe that they have been the victim of criminal actions.

False Allegations Are Very Serious

The severity of false criminal allegations can ruin your life. There is no way to overstate the serious nature of these false claims. In some cases, even the suggestion of criminal wrongdoing can cause a person to experience serious problems, even if they are never brought to trial and convicted of the charges.

For example, a person who is accused of abusing a child can face very serious consequences, whether or not they are convicted in a court of law. A parent or a teacher who is accused of sexual misconduct with a child may lose their job and they may lose custody or their children. In the event of a custody battle, a person accused of sexual abuse may lose their right to visit or raise their children.

Even if the accused is never convicted of breaking the law, they may face intense public scrutiny and scorn. They may lose friendships and relationships with their family members and close friends. They may become publicly scorned and lose their standing at work, in church or in school. It does not take a court conviction to seriously derail a person’s life. In some cases, a simple accusation is all that it takes to cause major problems in the life of the accused.

What To Do About False Allegations

As soon as a false allegation is made, it’s time to start creating a legal defense strategy. Remember, even if the court system takes time to prosecute a case, the public may be paying close attention to all the details of a case. This is why it is very important to create a defensive strategy as soon as false allegations are made.

If you have been falsely accused of a crime, here are some steps that you can take to help you get through this difficult time:

Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney

If someone makes a false claim against you, your first step should be to call a lawyer. An attorney will quickly become your best asset in this situation. Your lawyer can advise you on what steps to take, as well as how you should behave in this situation. Your lawyer will be legally sworn to protect your confidentiality, which means that anything that you say to them will be kept in confidence. Your lawyer may help to arrange an investigation into your case and gather evidence.

This evidence can be used to defend you in court and also help to prove that your accuser is using false statements and evidence to falsely accuse you.

Don’t Talk About The Case With Others

If you are accused of a crime that you never committed, it’s only natural that you will be frustrated and anxious. This might lead you to discuss your case with friends and family members. Although this is a normal reaction, it should be avoided at all costs. Remember, even your friends and family members can be called as witnesses in your case. An offhand comment that you make to a trusted person may end up being used against you in a court of law.

The only person with which you should discuss your case is your lawyer. Attorney-client privilege will keep your discussions private and legally protected. A close friend with whom you discuss your problems may accidentally reveal information to others who can distort the statement to incriminate you.

Don’t Incriminate Yourself

After you have been accused of a crime, you should know that all of your actions will be closely studied. The police and even your neighbors may start carefully watching your behavior to spot signs of wrongdoing. Even seemingly innocent actions may be misconstrued to be used against you in court. You can help protect yourself by avoiding situations which might help to build a case against you.

For example, a person who has been accused of sexual misconduct with a child should avoid almost all contact with children whenever possible. A person who has been accused of molesting a child should never be alone with an unaccompanied child, even with their own children. An offhand comment by a child can be used as an incriminating statement in court.

Additionally, a person who is falsely accused of a crime should always stay out of trouble with the law. For example, a person accused of assault should stay away from situations where violence may occur. This person may want to avoid bars and nightclubs where alcohol may impair their judgement.

Most importantly, a falsely accused person should always avoid any contact with their accuser. Any conversations, text messages or emails with an accuser can be used as incriminating evidence. Any contact between these two parties, if necessary, should be conducted through an attorney.

How An Attorney Can Help

An attorney is your best resource in the event of a false allegation. While these times may be difficult, an attorney can help you build a legal defense strategy and also help you to avoid situations which might hurt your case. When you are falsely accused of a crime, a lawyer should be the first person that you call.