Falsely Accused of a Crime in NC? How to Defend Yourself

If you are in a situation where you are being accused of a crime that you did not commit in North Carolina, you may be feeling confused and upset. Whether law enforcement is at the core of the accusations, or another person, such as a friend or even a family member, is issuing the charges, you are likely asking yourself how this can be happening.

In such a situation, it is extremely important to be aware of what your rights are, what the potential penalties can be, and what you can do to build a strong legal defense, despite whether your charges are felonies or misdemeanors. Equipping yourself with knowledge and a fearless Wilmington, NC, Criminal Defense Attorney is the most optimal way to defend yourself against false accusations.

Strong Defense Strategies Against North Carolina False Accusations

If you are dealing with a North Carolina false accusation, it’s important to work with your attorney to come up with a strong defense that can prove your innocence. Some common strategies to prove the innocence of those who are falsely accused are: 

• Collecting thorough evidence. It’s critical to gather any evidence that can show that you are innocent. This can be in the form of videos or photos, messaging records, tapes of calls, texts and emails, and more. Any evidence that can prove weaknesses and show inconsistencies in the accusations against you is valuable.
• Look into the accuser. Your accuser may be pressing charges against you because they have certain motives, so it’s important to find out what these might be. It’s a good idea to do a background investigation on them and try to understand what might motivate them to press these charges.
• Have a strong alibi. It’s important to have specific evidence showing that you were not at the place of the crime at the time of the incident. It is helpful to have one or more witnesses who can corroborate this.
• Conduct a thorough witness cross-examination. Your attorney will need to carry out a thorough cross-examination in order to find any inconsistencies across the testimonies of witnesses. This can weaken the accuser’s argument.
• Show that you did not have the intent to commit the crime. In the case that the crime you were accused of needs to show intent, you can work on providing evidence to show that you had no reason to carry out the alleged crime.
• Explore other explanations for what happened. Your lawyer can use the available evidence in the courtroom to explore different narratives that can explain what might have happened, which can ultimately shift the explanation from one that incriminates you.
• Show that there were false reports. If you and your lawyer can prove that the accuser had negative intentions or that they falsified evidence or reporting to falsely incriminate you, you can bring this to light in front of the jury.
• Build trust in your character. Show the jury that you have a strong track record as a law-abiding citizen. Use academic and professional awards, credit scores, and testimonies from friends and family to show that you are morally upright and do not have the character to commit the crime you have been accused of.

Based on the details of your case, the defense that you will build accordingly will vary. It’s important to hire an attorney who is highly versed in North Carolina criminal law and who has experience defending people who have been in situations similar to you.

FAQs About How to Defend Yourself from Falsely Accused of a Crime in NC

Can I Press Charges in NC for Being Falsely Accused?

In the state of North Carolina, people who are facing false accusations from someone cannot press charges against the person who accused them. However, the prosecutor might decide to press charges on their own. In the case that the accusations harm you in any way, such as causing your business to suffer based on a ruined reputation, then it might be possible to file a civil suit for defamation.

How Can I Defend Myself Against False Accusations in North Carolina?

If you are facing false accusations, it’s important to stay calm and develop a plan. Getting a lawyer who is knowledgeable in the field of crimes that you have been accused of can help you create and flesh out your defense strategy. As a part of this, you will need to collect evidence that shows that you are innocent and keep documentation on all of your activities. Together with your lawyer, you can work to prove your innocence by showing that you had no motives to commit the crime you were accused of.

How Do I Emotionally Handle Being Charged With an NC Crime?

It can be emotionally challenging to handle the repercussions associated with being charged with a crime that you did not commit. In order to protect your emotional well-being, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself and only talk about the case with your lawyer to avoid any situations that could unnecessarily incriminate you. Additionally, it is critical to keep a support network that you can trust and spend time with during this vulnerable period. Lastly, focus on practicing self-care and engaging in activities that feed you spiritually.

How Do Innocent People React When Accused With a Crime in NC?

It’s important to note that all individuals respond differently to being accused of a crime, whether they are innocent or not. Many other factors can influence the way someone would react, such as the severity of the crime and the current mental state of the accused. Innocent individuals who have been charged with a crime should remember to remain calm, keep composure, and let the facts and evidence speak for themselves.

Get the Representation That You Deserve Today

It can be extremely stressful and disorienting to be charged with a crime that you did not commit. Not only can the situation be financially grueling and take up valuable time and energy that could be spent more productively, but it can be emotionally tolling as well. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we understand the stakes associated with any criminal accusation, whether big or small. Therefore, we take each unique case and the associated details incredibly seriously. If you are unsure about how to protect yourself against a false accusation, contact our firm today. We’ve got your back.