Nobody expects to be accused of a crime, but stranger things have happened, whether it’s a case of mistaken identity or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being accused of a crime, especially as a mother, can be deeply upsetting and incredibly stressful, but you must be careful not to make the situation worse for yourself so that everything can be straightened out and you can put this chapter behind you without any long-term damage. These are the main steps that you’ll need to take if you ever find yourself accused of a crime that you did not commit.
Do Not Protest
It’s important that you’re cooperative if you’re arrested, as resisting arrest will only make matters worse and make it appear like you have something to hide. People’s natural reaction is to protest, but instead, you need to cooperate and have faith in the legal system. You should exercise your right to stay silent at this time as you could say something which you later contradict or say something which could harm your case.
Make Sure The Kids Are Ok
If you have kids, you need to ensure that they are ok and that someone can look after them while you straighten the matter out with the police. This can be a difficult time for a child, but they must be assured that everything will be fine.
Contact An Experienced Defense Lawyer
You’ll also need to contact an experienced assault defense lawyer as soon as possible (you may need to instruct a loved one to do this). They will be able to build your case and work to clear your name as quickly and efficiently as possible, and the right criminal defense attorney can help to put your mind at ease.
Posting Bail
You’ll need to post bail unless the court clears you, and this will allow you out of jail, although you must stay local and attend all hearings. You can use this time to help your lawyer build your case to prove your innocence, including gathering evidence that will clear your name, such as witness statements, CCTV footage, receipts, and anything else that could prove your innocence.
Look After Yourself & Family
This is a worrying time for the whole family, but you must trust the justice system and your defense lawyer. You need to look after yourself during this period by getting enough sleep, spending quality time with the kids and reassuring them, exercising, and eating a healthy diet. Avoid confronting your accuser and potentially harmful activities like drinking.
Being accused of a crime you have not committed is a shocking and upsetting experience. It’s rare, but it does happen often due to a case of mistaken identity, which has recently increased due to social media, but it could also be that you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. It’s a stressful experience to go through but follow the above steps, and before long, you can put the incident behind you.
