Falsely Accused of a Crime in Arkansas: What to Do? 2025

Kevin M. Lemley

Whether it occurs in the heat of a tense moment or arises during a long and drawn-out conflict, being falsely accused of a crime is a frightening place to be. You may find yourself arrested for an action you did not commit or under investigation by law enforcement personnel for behavior you never exhibited. In these situations, it can be wise to be aware of your legal options when falsely accused of a crime in Arkansas. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can educate you on your options.

Life is difficult enough without having to face false criminal allegations. Unfortunately, these situations arise due to a variety of reasons. Thankfully, you do have options when facing false accusations, and the team at Lemley Law Partners can help you better understand these options. As a citizen of the United States and the state of Arkansas, you have several rights, even if you are arrested or under investigation for a crime, and we can help you assert these rights.

Additionally, if you can prove that the allegations brought against you are indeed false, you can pursue a case of defamation or compensation against the party who filed the false accusations.

What to Do If You Are Falsely Accused of a Crime in Arkansas

False accusations can ruin an individual’s entire life. That is why you should only file allegations if you are completely certain they perpetrated the crime you are accusing them of. If you find yourself facing false allegations in Arkansas, there are several steps you should take to ensure you are given the greatest chance at mitigating the harm done by the false allegations. These steps are vital, and it is wise to educate yourself on them should you face false accusations.

Stay Calm

The most important thing you can do when facing false allegations is to stay calm. If you find yourself arrested for false charges, it is wise to comply with law enforcement, as fighting against them during an arrest can cause you to face actual charges. Instead, go with them calmly and cooperatively, and do not speak with them until your attorney arrives. This is one of your most important rights under the Constitution.

Even if you are justified in believing the allegations are false, fighting can cause the other side to use this against you. Trying to clear your name and explain your side of the story can be tempting when arrested under false charges. However, this is a huge mistake, and it is smart to only speak once your attorney arrives. The police may also pressure you to waive your right to an attorney. Do not give in to this pressure. Having an attorney is your legal right.

Take the Charges Seriously

Even if the charges brought against you are false and you are justified in saying you are not guilty, it is still wise to understand the seriousness of the allegations. It is also smart to understand the penalties that might be involved if you become convicted of the charges in question. Even though you are innocent, do not assume that the police, the prosecution, or the judge will see it this way.

Hire an Attorney

As soon as you are brought into the police station for questioning regarding criminal charges, you need to hire an attorney. This is the most important step in ensuring you can clear your name from these false accusations. Some individuals may wait until it is too late to hire an attorney, concerned over legal fees. Do not wait. As soon as you come under questioning, reach out to an attorney. Your attorney can gather evidence in your case and develop a defense.

Challenge Credibility

After you meet with an attorney, they will begin to build a legal defense strategy to combat the false accusations being brought against you. One of the strongest defense strategies is to call into question the credibility of the accessor, as your attorney can call them to be placed under oath on the stand.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Commonly Falsely Accused Crimes?

A: There are several crimes that an individual can be falsely accused of. The most common of these include false allegations of domestic violence, cases of child custody or divorce, child molestation, and abuse. Additionally, people may be accused of drug or alcohol abuse in these family law cases. People may also be falsely accused of homicide charges or theft.

Q: What Are Some Common Criminal Defenses in Arkansas?

A: One of the most common criminal defenses used includes mistaken identity, self-defense, acting in defense of others, having an alibi, lack of evidence, insufficient evidence, lack of knowledge or intent, breakdowns in the chain of custody when it comes to alleged case evidence, and false allegations. An attorney can help you explore your possible defenses.

Q: Can You File a Claim Against Someone for Falsely Accusing You of a Crime in Arkansas?

A: Yes, in the state of Arkansas, you can file a claim against someone for defamation for falsely accusing you of a crime. To do this, you will need to prove that they made a false accusation against you, that the accusations harmed your personal or professional reputation, and the fact that the individual who falsely accused you was careless or negligent about whether the statement they were making was true or false.

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Charge in Arkansas?

A: It can prove difficult to offer an exact number as to how much a criminal defense attorney might charge for their services in Arkansas. This is due to the fact that every case is different, and so is the way each lawyer structures their fees. However, there are certain factors that impact the fees of all criminal cases, including the nature of the crime involved, the complexity or severity of the crime, and the skill level of your attorney.

Speak With a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Navigating false accusations can be a frightening and uncertain experience, but the good news is that you do not have to do it alone. At Lemley Law Partners, we understand that false allegations happen all the time to individuals who are truly innocent. Allow us to review your case and begin building a solid defense that can, in some cases, seek a dismissal of all charges. Contact our offices today to schedule your initial consultation.