It is more than possible that you might get arrested for a crime you didn’t commit at some point in the future. That isn’t a nice prospect, but it happens to lots of people every single year. Knowing how to deal with the situation should make you feel a little less worried. Considering that, we’ve listed a few tips on this page that should stand you in good stead.
The important thing to remember is you must always plead your innocence. As you will learn in just a moment, the police might use every trick in the book to score a conviction. So, this might be one of the most serious posts we’ve published in a while. Failing to handle the situation properly could mean you end up losing your freedom. Nobody wants that.
Say nothing during the police interview
Some people think that keeping quiet during their police interview makes them appear guilty. However, nobody has ever been convicted for not opening their mouth. The only things you need to say by law are your name and address. After that, you should sit back and remain tight-lipped. The police will try to trip you up and get you to say things that aren’t true to further their case. Some of them might even threaten you with physical harm. Don’t fall for the good cop/bad cop tactics. Keep your head, and don’t say a word. You can put your side of the story across in court.
Contact a lawyer ASAP
You’re going to need a good lawyer who has enough time to deal with your case. Representing yourself in a situation like that is not a wise move. Unless you have a background in law, you are certain to make lots of mistakes. Also, you might fail to highlight facts that could put you in the clear. The legal experts say they are working on more cases of wrongful arrest than ever before. It would seem you are not the only one who has suffered. To find the best lawyer, you just need to search online. Either that or you can ask friends and family members for word of mouth recommendations.
Enter a “not guilty” plea
Many people who are arrested for crimes they didn’t commit become scared during their trial. The prosecution often mentions they will get less time in prison if they simply admit blame. That encourages innocent people to lie and say they committed the crime. You can see why too. Let’s presume you get picked up on an assault charge. You might get six months if you admit to hurting the other person. You could get up to two years if you claim innocence and drag the case on for months. However, innocent people should never admit guilt for something they did not do. Don’t panic! Just stick to your guns.
We sincerely hope you are never arrested for a crime committed by someone else. However, at least you now know about the navigate the situation. The basic rule of thumb is that you need legal representation as soon as possible. It is even wise to call a lawyer before your police interview to ensure they don’t use any dirty tricks.