In 2015, a record setting number of persons were absolved and released from prison. Reported by a recent study from the National Registry of Exonerations, 149 individuals stayed a median of 15 years behind bars before being vindicated. That is an alarming number and you can only imagine the number of people who have been wrongfully accused of a crime, found guilty, and their life stolen as they slowly deteriorate behind bars. We know that many men and women who say “they didn’t do it” are telling the truth and having the experience happen to you can be a stressful time and that’s mildly speaking. With that in mind, we at Kajioka and Associates, Attorneys at Law would like to discuss on what to do if you find yourself being arrested after being wrongfully accused.

Prosecutors Review Previous Convictions

For starters, the prosecutor attorneys spending their day reviewing previous convictions is a new idea and one nobody ever fathomed. Traditionally speaking, most prosecuting attorneys see their role in convicting criminals, securing a victory where all petitions to appeal as well as not assessing if evidence undermines a conviction. Considering more and more are getting involved in getting the wrongfully accused out of prison, we are delighted in the quest but meanwhile, people are still getting guilty verdicts when they are innocent of the crime.

Being Falsely Accused of a Crime You Didn’t Commit

Below you will find a list of what to do if you find you have been wrongfully accused. Where no one ever imagines such a thing can happen to them, these atrocities happen more frequently than you may suppose. If you have been wrongfully accused, you can do very little without the perfect attorney defending you, but here is what you should do following the arrest.
1) Get a Lawyer. All too often innocent defendants fail to get legal representation until it is too late. Unfortunately, people make the mistake of presuming the problem will fix itself after the investigators can see from evidence they didn’t have anything to do with it or that by retaining an attorney only makes them appear guiltier. The fact is, the innocent need legal counsel more than the criminals do, especially at the beginning of the investigation.
2) Remain Silent. Established in the U.S. Constitution is the right to remain silent, something you should always use, even when innocent. You may want to shout your innocence and share your side of story, but even the slightest deviations from the original statement will make you look guilty. Do not speak with anyone until you have counseled with an attorney.
3) Decline Searches and Tests. If there are any optional searches or tests, turn them down, even if you believe the DNA test will clear your name; you never know what kind of “evidence” officers find. By ensuring the police get a warrant, you will be guaranteed all rules and policies are applied. Unless it has been court ordered, you have the right to decline any searches or testing.
4) Gather Proof. Don’t destroy anything you think may not work for you and collect all other evidence in your favor. Be sure to present all information and evidence you have gathered for your attorney.
5) Understand You are a Criminal. Just because you know you are innocent doesn’t give you special privileges. Once you are accused of a crime, law enforcement will assume you are guilty, and treat you as such. It is just as difficult if not more challenging, to prove your innocence and you need to be prepared for a long and stressful road ahead.

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Greater Las Vegas, Nevada

If you have been wrongfully accused of a crime in the Greater Las Vegas, Nevada area, call Kajioka and Associates, Attorneys at Law. We will fight diligently for your rights.