Were You Accused of a Crime You Didn’t Commit?

If you were falsely accused of a crime, the first step to defending yourself is learning your rights.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514


As a victim of a false criminal accusation, you are likely feeling a full fleet of emotions. Take comfort in knowing that your feelings of anger, frustration, confusion, and hopelessness are all normal reactions. After all, this is probably one of the most stressful situations you’ll face in your life. You can also take comfort in knowing that our legal system has a strict procedure in place to ensure defendants are not falsely accused of a crime; however, it cannot guarantee that it won’t happen. Unfortunately, being found guilty of a crime you are innocent of is a possibility, especially without aggressive criminal defense. There are people sitting in jail right now because they were falsely accused of a crime they did not commit.

Your Right to Counsel

As a defendant, you have the right to counsel, whether that be a court-ordered public defender, or a private criminal defense lawyer. In a case such as this, it is wise to hire privately to ensure you receive full-time, aggressive, and personalized criminal defense. Public lawyers have extreme workloads, and can only dedicate a certain amount of time for each case. A private lawyer, on the other hand, will have their full attention and focus on building you a strong and impactful defense. They are your best hope for getting your charges dismissed.

How to Prepare for Trial

While awaiting trial for a crime you did not commit, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and your case. To start, be sure you fully understand the seriousness of your situation. Do not make the mistake of being too confident. This is easy to do since you are in fact innocent, but there is a chance you could be convicted if you are not careful with your defense. You must take the legal process very seriously when accused of a crime you did not commit.

Next, be sure to budget for all the legal fees, attorney fees, and court costs you will be obligated to pay. The more serious the charge, the more time and money it will take to defend. This is especially true for false accusations of sexual or violent crimes, such as rape, child molestation, and domestic violence. Start budgeting costs now so that you are in better control later. Additional fees may include witness testimonies, expert testimonies, psychological testing, filing fees, and more.

Also, be sure you are documenting everything about your case. Write down everything you remember of the event in question. If you were not present, write down all the details of your whereabouts at the time the crime was committed. As the case progresses, continue to keep track of all events and new findings by writing them down in detail. This documentation can help your case down the line.

You need to also begin gathering all the evidence you have to prove your innocence, including a list of witnesses to testify on your behalf. On your list, record their name, and contact information, including their address, email, phone number, and work number. Be sure to also include a description of how they relate to the case and what information they offer as a witness.

Last, it is important to educate yourself as much as possible on everything pertaining to the case, including the laws surrounding your charges. Research persistently, because the more knowledge you have, the stronger your defense will be. Part of educating yourself also includes learning your rights. Talk to your Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to be clear on what they are. For instance, if you are questioned by police, you have the right to remain silent. And if you are not being arrest (which you have the right to ask), you are free to leave at your own will.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you have been falsely accused of a crime. Our legal teams use an aggressive and concentrated approach to defend your rights and protect your reputation. We will stop at nothing to ensure your case is dismissed and your name is cleared. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal charges, today.