Item: Powers Law Firm PA
Rating: 5
Author: J.R.

Defending Against False Accusations in Charlotte, NC

Our system of justice very much anticipates the possibility of false accusations and incorrect allegations of criminal charges.

Indeed, it’s one reason we have powerful Constitutional Rights regarding the Presumption of Innocence, the State’s Burden of Proof, and proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.

"If you have been falsely accused, it’s imperative to begin your defense immediately. We believe effective criminal defense strategies start with retaining a criminal defense lawyer, if possible, even before an arrest or formal indictment."
- Bill Powers

Our team of Charlotte lawyers provides focused, hard-nosed legal representation based on practical courtroom and trial experience, defending clients who have been falsely accused.

Zealous legal representation must necessarily include a realistic assessment of the evidence against you.

Video Guides: Answers to Your Questions

It makes sense to carefully review the evidence, including the lack of evidence, in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the State’s case against you.

"We take a long, hard look at the evidence. If there are ways to attack the case or legal justifications for a dismissal of charges, we’ll share those with you."
- Bill Powers

Our goal is to provide compassionate legal advice centered on hard work, attention to detail, and a realistic assessment of the likelihood of success at trial.

We presume you are innocent, just like the legal system.

We help people facing a wide range of allegations, including vehicular homicide charges, murder, manslaughter, and DWI in North Carolina.

Should I Talk to the Police? Should I Give a Statement?

Retaining legal counsel early-on, during the formative stages of a criminal investigation, is important in our opinion.

We recommend you exercise your constitutional rights.

Take the Fifth.

Do not give a statement to detectives, police officers, or anyone else associated with investigating possible criminal charges.

Politely but firmly decline to cooperate with an investigation.

Ask to speak with a lawyer and call Bill Powers.

"Sometimes clients don’t fully understand the true purposes of detectives asking people ‘come into the office to answer some questions and clear things up."
- Bill Powers

Voluntary statements, even if they take place at the police station, may not be protected by Miranda Rights
You are entitled to legal representation at all stages of a criminal investigation
Retaining legal counsel before an arrest or before a Warrant for Arrest can serve to limit inculpatory evidence
Detectives are experts in gathering evidence, including statements against the accused.

It’s Normal to be a bit Anxious

Being falsely accused can take a toll on your mental health.

The thought of going to prison or having a permanent criminal record because of mistruths, lies, and even simple mistakes, is frightening.

Some of the anxiety associated with false accusations may involve not knowing what to do to preserve your Constitutional Rights and freedom.

Our goal as defense lawyers in Charlotte is to help explain your legal options.

"Good decisions are often the product of having accurate, timely information. As defense lawyers, that’s one of our primary goals. We provide legal advice based on years of practical courtroom experience."
- Bill Powers

If you have questions about even possible criminal charges in Charlotte, call us today at 704-342-4357.

You may also complete a “Contact Us” form here.

We charge nothing for legal consultations.

You may also email Bill Powers directly at: Bill@CarolinaAttorneys.com

Everything you share about you and your case is deemed confidential under the attorney-client privilege, eve if charges are not pressed.

Criminal Defense Lawyers Who Fight False Accusations

It’s important to be honest and forthcoming with your criminal lawyer.

"Legal advice is only as good as the information available. Effective defenses demand full disclosure and accurate documentation of the allegations."
- Bill Powers

Even if things look bad from the outset, your defense lawyer needs to be able to see the big picture.

Experienced lawyers know the value to researching the background facts and circumstances of a case.

That’s particularly true in instances that involve false accusations, where motivations and ulterior motives behind bringing a criminal charge can prove important.

Why is the alleged victim doing this?
What happened?
Why are they falsely accusing you?
What is their motive?
Are they trying to cause you problems?
Are they protecting their own criminal liability?
Are they trying to shift the blame to you?

Defending Yourself Against False Accusations

If you stand accused of a felony or misdemeanor we recommend you retain legal counsel immediately.

Defending yourself, while completely legal, may not be in your best interests.

And whether you realize it or not, defending yourself should start during the investigation stage, before criminal charges are brought or indictment issued.

We recommend the following general steps:

Contact legal counsel immediately
Do not respond if accused of wrongdoing
1. a. If the allegations involve the workplace, employer, or other False Pretense allegations, do not answer questions
2. b. Do not attempt to destroy evidence
3. c. Do not delete computer files
4. d. Do not fabricate evidence or fraudulent materials
Limit communications by text and email
Limit posting on social media
Do NOT discuss anything about the allegations with friends, co-workers, or family
Do not offer an apology
Do not offer to pay damages or compensate the alleged victim

"Once properly retained, your defense attorney may wish to conduct their own investigation into the allegations. That may involve advising law enforcement of legal representation, instructing them not to contact the client for any reason."
- Bill Powers

Reviewing the allegations and possibly providing exculpatory information, if appropriate, may be something best handled through defense counsel.

Lawyers may also seek to speak with witnesses, provide documentation, and reach out to prosecutors early-on in the process.

Defending against false accusations should begin immediately, taking steps to both limit the inappropriate release of information and to preserve evidence as the case may deserve.

Helpful Information About Criminal Charges

North Carolina Criminal Law 14-225: False Reports to Law Enforcement Agencies or Officers

Learn More

★★★★★

I am so fortunate to have had Bill Powers on my case. Upon our first meeting, Bill insisted that through the emotions of anger, sadness, confusion, and betrayal that I remain resilient. He was available to answer questions with researched, logical, truthful answers throughout our two year stretch together... J.R.

Bill Powers and his firm were a true blessing. If anyone is contacting an attorney, it's more than likely not from a positive life experience. If there was a rating for "bedside manner" for lawyers he'd get a 10/10 for that as well. The entire staff were helpful... K.C.

Bill Powers’ staff has handled several traffic citations for me over the years, and they exceeded my expectations each and every time. Would highly recommend anyone faced with a traffic citation or court case contact his office and they will handle it from there. M.C.

Bill and his staff are flat out great. I (unfortunately) was a repeat customer after a string of tickets. These guys not only took care of the initial ticket for me, but went the extra mile and reduced my problems from 3 to just 1 (very minor one) on the same day I called back! I would recommend them to anyone. A.R.

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