What can I do if someone makes false allegations against me?

If you’ve had false allegations made against you, it is a frightening and stressful experience. You may feel hopeless and anxious about what may happen to you. But it’s important to take the right steps to ensure you can prove your innocence.

In this article, we’ll discuss what you can do if someone makes false allegations against you and how to defend yourself.

 

What can I do if someone makes false allegations against me?

If someone makes false allegations against you, it’s important to take several steps to ensure you aren’t charged.

 

Keep calm

This is easier said than done! When you are falsely accused of an offence, it is vital that you stay calm and do not retaliate at the accuser or investigators. You must maintain your composure and avoid taking actions you may later regret – including actions out of anger and frustration that can actually be classed as criminal offences, making your situation so much worse.

 

Seek legal representation immediately

As soon as you become aware of false allegations made against you, you should seek a criminal defence solicitor to represent you. They will help you build your case and guide you through any voluntary interviews and other interactions with the police. They can help you initiate pre-charge engagement, a process where you produce evidence

 

Gather evidence

With the guidance of your criminal defence solicitor, gather as much evidence as possible to prove your innocence. This includes alibis, witness statements, CCTV footage, and more.

 

Document everything

If you have any interactions with the accuser, keep a note of everything, whether it be writing down a conversation you’ve had, keeping screenshots of social media messages, or saving emails. The accuser may say something which diminishes their case, proving your innocence, and it protects you in case they make further accusations.

 

Stay off social media

Do not discuss the case on social media. Do not post anything yourself and do not engage in conversations with others who are discussing it. You may harm your defence. Do not be fooled, it will not help your case or public image by defending yourself online. Leave that to your solicitors!

 

Cooperate with investigators

Part of your defence will be to present your character favourably, so cooperating with investigators is important. Please note you should not speak with the investigators without a solicitor present. Your solicitor will tell you what information and evidence you should pass to the investigators to ensure you are compliant with the process and building the best possible defence.

How do I defend myself against false accusations?

You should always instruct a criminal defence solicitor to defend you for false allegation cases. They can help you build your defence based on several factors, including:

 

Demonstrating lack of evidence

Your solicitor will help you prove that you are innocent through concrete evidence. This includes CCTV footage, alibis, and witness statements, and messages between you and the accuser.

 

Absence of intent

Part of the prosecutor’s case will be to establish intent – you are more likely to have committed an offence if you have some motive. Your solicitor will work to prove that you had no motive to carry out the offence, or any related offences.

 

Prove malicious intent on the accuser’s part

The accuser’s allegations will be seen as less credible if you can establish that the accuser had motive to fabricate them. This could be for revenge or for financial gain for example.

 

Errors in procedure

If proper protocols have not been followed by investigators, your solicitor may be able to call for the case to be dismissed entirely.

 

Facing a criminal investigation over false allegations?

If you have false allegations looming over your head, it’s important to seek the help of a pre-charge solicitor as soon as possible. At Holborn Adams, we confidently secure cases closed with no charges. Please don’t waste any time. Speak to us today.

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