Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences anyone can face. If you’ve been wrongfully accused of a crime in Lexington, South Carolina, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and take the right steps to fight the charges against you.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key actions you should take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation and how Attorney James Snell can help guide you through the process.
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
First and foremost, it’s important to stay calm. False accusations can be overwhelming, but panicking or reacting emotionally can hurt your case. Try to keep your emotions in check and remember that there are legal avenues available to clear your name.
2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
In South Carolina, as in every state, you have the constitutional right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. If you're accused of a crime, it’s critical not to speak without an attorney present. Even if you believe you're innocent, anything you say can be used against you in court.
Politely inform the police that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak with Attorney James Snell. Having experienced legal representation early in the process can significantly protect your rights and your case. Mr. Snell recommends that anyone suspected or accused of a crime not make any statements, answer any questions or consent to any searches until they have first consulted with a criminal defense lawyer and advised otherwise.
3. Gather Evidence and Document Everything
If you’ve been falsely accused, gathering evidence to support your innocence can make a significant difference. Start by:
- Collecting any alibi information: Can anyone vouch for your whereabouts at the time of the crime? Get contact details for any witnesses who can testify on your behalf.
- Documenting your interactions: Write down everything you know about the accusation and your interactions with law enforcement. If you were arrested, make a note of how you were treated.
- Preserving physical evidence: If there are physical items that can support your case (e.g., security camera footage, phone records, emails), make sure to keep them safe.
Having a detailed account of the facts is crucial for building a defense.
4. Hire Attorney James Snell to Defend Your Rights
One of the most important steps in defending yourself against false accusations is hiring Attorney James Snell, who has been practicing criminal defense law in Lexington for over 20 years. With his extensive experience and knowledge of the legal system, James Snell can:
- Evaluate the evidence: Attorney Snell will review all evidence against you, including witness statements, physical evidence, and any potential inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case.
- Fight for your rights: As a published author and seasoned criminal defense lawyer, James Snell has the experience to protect your rights throughout the legal process, ensuring that any violations or mistakes by law enforcement are identified and addressed.
- Prepare a strong defense strategy: Attorney Snell will craft a defense strategy based on the facts of your case, which could include challenging the credibility of witnesses, presenting an alibi, or showing that the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Attorney James Snell is committed to fighting for your best interests and ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
5. Challenge the Accusations in Court
If the case proceeds to court, Attorney James Snell will represent you in front of a judge and jury. In South Carolina, the prosecution must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. As the defendant, you do not have to prove your innocence – it’s up to the prosecution to establish your guilt.
We will work to dismantle the case against you, cross-examine witnesses, present exculpatory evidence, and argue for your innocence.
6. Consider Your Options for Clearing Your Name
If you are acquitted of the charges or if the case is dismissed, you may be entitled to seek an expungement of your criminal record, depending on the circumstances. Expungement can help clear any record of the wrongful accusation from public databases, allowing you to move forward without the stigma of a criminal charge on your record.
Attorney James Snell can guide you through this process and ensure that your record is expunged if you're eligible.
7. Stay Away from Social Media
In today’s digital age, social media can be a tempting outlet to vent frustration or defend yourself. However, anything you post online can be used as evidence in your case, even if you believe it’s harmless. It's best to refrain from discussing the case on social media, as it can be twisted and used against you.
Conclusion: The Importance of Legal Representation from the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC
Being wrongfully accused of a crime is an extremely serious matter, and fighting false accusations requires professional legal assistance. If you’ve been accused of a crime in Lexington, SC, and you believe you're innocent, it’s crucial to contact Attorney James Snell, a criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years of experience who will stand up for your rights, fight for your innocence, and help protect your future.
At James Snell, Attorney at Law, we understand how devastating false accusations can be, and we are dedicated to providing aggressive defense for those wrongfully accused of crimes in Lexington and surrounding areas. We handle a wide variety of criminal cases, including offenses in Lexington County General Sessions Court, drug offenses, domestic violence charges, DUI, sexual exploitation of a minor, criminal sexual conduct, and offenses in the Lexington County Magistrate Court.
We offer free consultations at our office located at 123 Harmon Street in downtown Lexington, across from the Old Mill. You can reach us at (803) 359-3301, and same-day appointments are typically available.