If you have been accused of a crime in Jersey City, you must hire a skilled defense attorney to protect you from the possible consequences. If somebody is falsely accusing you of an offense, you are at risk of going to jail. Never assume that criminal courts always make the truth come out during criminal proceedings. Wrongful accusations take place. But you must not face criminal charges without an experienced Jersey City criminal lawyer on your side.
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Dangers of False Accusations
If somebody lodges a criminal complaint against you, alleging you have broken state law, you could face the following consequences:
- Criminal charges. A criminal conviction can result in jail or prison. The longevity of your incarceration depends on the crime you are found guilty of.
- Immigration consequences. Non-citizens who are convicted of a crime in Jersey City could face deportation. In fact, even an arrest or charge can result in immigration consequences.
- Loss of professional licenses. Some criminal convictions in Jersey City can make you ineligible for holding a professional license. As a result, you could lose earning power and business opportunities. Crimes of moral turpitude like theft, fraud, drug-related offenses, and sexual assault can lead to license revocation.
- Employment-related issues. For the majority of jobs, employers may just ask a candidate or do a background check regarding their adult criminal history following a job interview. But employers may refuse to hire a job applicant due to an arrest or a conviction.
Protecting Your Rights Against False Accusations
There are many reasons you can be falsely accused. Personal conflicts like child custody and divorce proceedings and professional rivalries can result in false accusations. If you have been accused of committing a crime that can result in criminal, personal, and professional penalties, you must act right away to protect yourself.
First, you must stay calm. Ensure you don’t make a statement or counteraccusation. Tell the arresting officer that you must talk to your attorney before you answer questions. In addition, you must collect copies of evidence in your favor such as work records that may demonstrate your absence from the crime scene when the alleged crime happened. Your attorney can collect and present evidence in court to question the charges against you based on false accusations. They will review the charges against you and discuss your legal options. Once your attorney agrees to represent you, they can act right away to protect your rights.
