Just because allegations are levied, does not mean that charges will be formally filed. Often times officers exercise discretion at the scene, or upon a closer review of the evidence, the grand jury chooses not to indict. It is important to remember, however, that your innocence does not protect you. When innocent people are confronted with untrue, false, and/or absurd allegations, they frequently assume that this is a simple misunderstanding and that it will be cleared up quickly. The common assumption is that people will not be accused of doing things that they did not do, and that the legal system guarantees that citizens will not be falsely convicted. Unfortunately, false accusations are more common than we would like to think. For example, when DNA testing became a valid means of collecting criminal evidence, it was discovered that hundreds of people waiting on death row did not commit the crimes for which they were falsely convicted. Every individual charged with a crime deserves an effective and aggressive criminal defense attorney in Ohio, regardless of the objective circumstances.

Our criminal justice system is not perfect. Police Officers do make mistakes and grand juries do indict bad cases. When honest police officers are doing their best to objectively investigate crime, they can not prevent bad actors from levying false accusations for some ulterior motive. People have been falsely accused of rape, domestic violence, theft/ property crimes, and even murder.

Being falsely accused of a crime does not alter the way the criminal prosecution should be approached. The accused should never believe that because he or she is innocent and has nothing to hide, that there is no need for legal representation. In fact, there is perhaps an even greater need for legal advocacy with an experienced criminal defense attorney in the case of an individual who did not do what he or she is charged with doing.

The Bottom Line:  If you have been falsely accused, you may wonder: How serious are the charges? What am I supposed to do? How can I prove that I am innocent? What are my rights and legal options? It is crucial to secure the services of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you are falsely charged with a criminal offense. It is important to find an attorney with experience in Ohio representing those who have been accused of a similar criminal offense.  Put my number in your mobile:  513-260-2099 and let me evaluate your case to determine the very best way to protect your legal interests.