People make mistakes. When law enforcement officials make these mistakes, it can mean the wrong person ends up in handcuffs or even charged with a crime he or she did not commit. Recently retired professional tennis player James Blake was tackled to the ground in New York City when he was mistaken as a person that police were investigating for credit card fraud. New York is not the only place where people are falsely accused of crimes. The 2001 documentary Murder on a Sunday Morning documents the trial of a teenager who was falsely accused of murder and forced to confess to doing something he never did.
Benefits of the Sixth Amendment
If you have been falsely accused of a crime and you were not as lucky as James Blake, you should know that you have been granted the right to a public trial, an attorney, a jury, and the right to know your accusers and the charges against you under the Sixth Amendment. This means that you will have the opportunity to refute the prosecution’s charges. It is also important to remember that the prosecutor has the duty to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is why it is extremely important for a person convicted of a crime to hire a criminal defense attorney who will fight for their freedom.
Steps You Should Take If You Are Falsely Accused of a Crime
If you are falsely accused of a crime, it is important to take specific steps to protect your rights. You should absolutely not talk to any law enforcement officer or prosecutor without your attorney present. This will help ensure that you do not mistakenly admit to doing something that you never did. If you know that you are not guilty and that there is not any evidence against you that would create reasonable doubt, then you should also not take a plea deal without thinking it through. Although a prosecutor may make a tempting offer, it is important to consult with your attorney to determine whether it is a viable option.
Once You Have Secured Your Freedom
If your criminal defense attorney was successful in securing your freedom, you can breathe because you cannot be charged with this crime again. This is due to the concept of double jeopardy, which forbids you from being charged for the same crime twice if your case has been acquitted.
Have You Been Falsely Accused of a Crime?
If you have been falsely accused of a crime and do not know what to do, you should contact Moses & Rooth. We are available to meet with you to review the charges against you and prepare a plan for addressing these charges. We provide free consultations; all you have to do is contact us by calling 407-377-0150.
Jay R. Rooth
Jay is an experienced and dedicated attorney. Whether you need help with a DUI or a more serious felony, Jay is ready to fight for you. Not only is Jay highly regarded by his peers, he’s also strongly recommended by his clients. Jay obtained his Law degree from Barry University Law School. Jay is a active member of the Orlando Chamber of Commerce, the Federalist Society, Florida Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
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