When being accused of a crime in the United States, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but that’s just the legal aspect.
Unfortunately, being accused of a crime can make people in your life suspicious of your character, and some people will even presume you’re guilty. Although it’s unfair, many people believe that an innocent person wouldn’t be accused of a crime if they didn’t have at least some involvement. After all, how could a truly innocent person get caught up as a suspect?
Aside from potential fines and jail time, one of the most unfortunate effects of facing serious criminal charges is the loss of your reputation. No matter if you’re guilty or innocent, you’ll have to work to rebuild your reputation.
Here are some tips that will help.
1. Ask your attorney for advice
Your defense lawyer will be an immense source of wisdom and expertise throughout your ordeal. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice regarding how to manage and restore your reputation. They can provide tips on how to talk to people in a way that will make them more likely to listen to you, and understand your situation. Nobody will know your case better than your attorney, and since they’re an expert at defending people in your situation, it makes sense to ask them for advice.
In fact, the more serious your charges are, the more your lawyer can help. For example, if you’re facing charges for a sex crime, some people won’t be open to discussing the matter with you at all. Certain people, like acquaintances, coworkers, and bosses are easy to walk away from, but if you’re trying to talk to family to preserve your relationships, you should seek your attorney’s advice.
It should also be noted that you should never speak to anyone without your attorney’s consent before your case has been decided. This might make some people think you’re guilty, but it’s crucial to listen to your attorney and only talk to people and share information they say is okay to discuss.
2. Ask your boss for a conversation
Many times, people get fired as a precaution when they’re accused of a crime, and it’s not necessarily illegal. Instead of approaching the situation as something to fight and argue against, if you get fired, ask your boss for the opportunity to explain yourself and your situation.
Keep in mind that anything you say to your boss can cause them to be subpoenaed for your case, so they may not want to talk. However, if they’re willing, take the opportunity to explain your side of the story.
For example, if you’re being accused of a violent crime, but it was self-defense, that’s something your boss should know. There’s always a chance they won’t believe you, but if you’ve been a good employee and have never shown any signs of trouble, your boss might be willing to support you. They may suspend you instead of terminating your employment pending the outcome of your case, and if so, that’s a win for you.
3. Take responsibility
People tend to have more respect for those who accept responsibility for their actions. If you’re completely innocent, don’t pretend to be guilty just to gain respect.
However, if you really did play some kind of role in the crime you’ve been accused of committing, after everything is said and done with your case, accept responsibility for your actions. Don’t shift the blame onto anyone else after your sentencing or when you’re done serving your time in prison.
If you do spend time in prison, once you get out, you’ll need to start looking for a job and a place to live. Employers are often hesitant to hire people with criminal records, even though it’s not always legal to deny people based on that alone. When you apply for a job, make it known that you take full responsibility for your past actions and that you’ve grown since that experience. Not every employer will give you a chance, but taking responsibility will increase your chances of being given a shot.
4. Do not engage on social media
No matter how many people trash you on social media, don’t engage. People won’t see your arguments in a positive manner, no matter how much you proclaim your innocence or defend your actions.
Rebuild your life
Depending on your circumstances, you may not be able to repair your reputation fully, so consider rebuilding your life by surrounding yourself with others in a similar situation. Sometimes the most accepting people are those who have been through similar experiences.