Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit brings a level of stress most people never expect. If this has happened to you, keep reading, then contact our firm to review your case and the options available to you. Our knowledgeable Escambia County criminal defense lawyer is ready to help.
What should I do if I was falsely accused of a crime in Florida?
- Understand what you’re up against. Take time to learn how serious the charges are and what penalties could follow. Your own certainty of innocence won’t guarantee that police, prosecutors, judges, or a jury reach the same conclusion. Treating the accusations with the weight they deserve from day one puts you in a better position to make smart choices and work toward a favorable result.
- Know what a defense costs. Building a solid case against the charges often comes with a real price tag, covering attorney fees, investigation work, and expert witnesses. It may feel unjust to spend money defending yourself against something you didn’t do, but your future depends on putting together the strongest case possible.
- Get ahead of formal charges. Hiring an attorney early, while you’re still only a suspect, opens the door to proactive steps that might keep charges from ever being filed. An attorney may be able to present your side directly to police or prosecutors and convince them they’ve got the wrong person.
- Sometimes waiting is the smarter move. An attorney might advise holding off and letting the prosecution try to build its case first. A witness who backs out, or test results that clear your name, can lead to charges never being filed at all.
- Hold onto physical evidence and paperwork. Anything that could help your case, clothing, photos, or other items, should be collected and handed over to your attorney right away. The same goes for documents like texts, emails, receipts, or GPS records that place you somewhere other than the crime scene.
- Track down potential witnesses. Put together a list of anyone who might have useful information about what happened, the accusations against you, or the alleged victim, and pass their contact details along to your attorney.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENSACOLA FIRM
The Law Office of James M. Burns helps people through various legal issues, including those involving criminal law, family law, personal injury law, and will & probate law. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.