What should I do if accused of lying in a police report?

What to Do If Accused of Lying in a Police Report

Being accused of lying in a police report can be scary. But don’t panic! Here’s some advice on steps to take if you find yourself in this situation.

Get a Lawyer

First things first – get a lawyer, stat! An experienced criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights. They’ll also be familiar with local laws and procedures around filing false police reports or making false statements.

Some things a lawyer can do:

• Advise you on whether to answer police questions or make statements
• Negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf
• Challenge inaccuracies in the police report
• Mount a strong legal defense if charges are filed

Public defenders are free for those who can’t afford private attorneys. But hiring your own lawyer is wise if possible, as they can devote more time to your complex case.

Gather Evidence

Work closely with your attorney to gather up evidence and witnesses that support your side of the story. Things like:

• Security camera footage
• Cell phone records, texts, social media posts
• Receipts, financial statements, other documents proving your whereabouts
• Testimony from credible witnesses

Evidence will be crucial to rebutting accusations that you lied and proving your innocence.

Record Interactions with Police

If police want to interview or question you, politely decline to talk without your lawyer present. Say something like “With all due respect officer, on advice of counsel I cannot answer questions without my attorney present.”

If they persist, continue politely deferring. Consider recording interactions if legal in your state – this can protect against misquotes.

Lying or misleading police, even accidentally, can compound the situation. So say nothing without your lawyer!

Cooperate Within Limits

While invoking your right to remain silent, also emphasize that you want to cooperate fully within legal limits. This good faith can give prosecutors incentive to drop or reduce charges.

For example, if errors in the police report were unintentional, offering to give an accurate statement may help. But consult your lawyer before volunteering anything.

Seek Mental Health Support

Being accused of a crime you didn’t commit can negatively impact your mental health. The stress, anxiety, shame, anger and sleeplessness can be crushing.

So don’t hesitate to lean on loved ones for emotional support during this difficult time. Also consider speaking to a therapist or counselor – they can help you develop healthy coping strategies while the legal case progresses.