Innocent until proven guilty, right?
While that’s the standard, it sure doesn’t feel that way when you’re wrongfully arrested.
A false arrest happens when an officer has no legal authority to arrest you. They may not have probable cause, or they may have violated your rights to secure evidence. Either way, you get booked and thrown in jail despite never committing a crime.
So, where do you go from here? There are specific steps you need to take to make sure justice gets served. Read on to learn how to cope with a false arrest.
- Comply With Officers
First thing’s first. When you get arrested for a crime, officers don’t always have time to comb through the evidence. They leave determining your guilt up to the courts. Their primary job is to ensure that those suspected of crimes get taken off the street.
With that in mind, you need to adhere to all your officer’s demands.
While it’s okay to state your feelings, it’s not okay to fight back. Never attempt to argue with the officer or break free from them. If you do, you could end up catching new charges that you can’t get out of.
Don’t fight back during the booking, either. Let the officers do their job, and be respectful despite the unwarranted situation.
- Contact a Lawyer ASAP
The moment you have an opportunity, call a lawyer. Don’t feel pressured to talk with the police or sit in jail waiting. Everyone that’s accused of a crime has a right to an attorney.
If you can’t afford to hire one, then use your right to get free state representation.
- Build a Strong Case
Your next step is to build a strong defense against your original charges. Work with your lawyer to collect evidence, confirm your alibi, and prove your case.
Did you know that at least 21 individuals sentenced to death row were later exonerated? In every case, DNA evidence proved the victim’s innocence.
Even if your situation looks bleak, don’t give up hope. There are people who want to fight for your freedom.
- Pursue Recourse for Your Wrongful Arrest
Have you proved that you were innocent? Don’t stop there! The officers who arrested you or the courts who convicted you shouldn’t get off that easy. You want to work on a wrongful imprisonment lawsuit to rectify the situation.
This type of suit will help you get compensation for what you went through. If you suffered injuries while imprisoned, you deserve recourse.
Wrongfully Arrested? Don’t Panic!
Were you or a loved one wrongfully arrested? America’s justice system is honorable, but it’s not infallible. Sometimes, mistakes happen and innocent people get thrown in jail or convicted of a crime.
When that happens, you have legal options. Not only can you secure your freedom, but you can also seek out compensation, too. Take the steps above to start your false arrest case.
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