Can You Press Charges Against Someone for Making False Accusations?

By R. Scott Magee, Attorney at Law

April 19, 2024

False accusations can have serious consequences. Being falsely accused of a crime can damage your reputation, impact your relationships, and even result in legal trouble. If you find yourself in a situation where someone has made false accusations against you, it’s important to understand your legal options. Discuss the matter with a Williamson County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Below are some examples of false accusations, whether you can press charges against someone for making false accusations, steps you can take to protect yourself, a look at the numbers behind false accusations, and your civil damages options in Williamson County, Texas.

What Constitutes a False Accusation?

Before discussing whether you can press charges against someone for making false accusations, it’s essential to fully understand what constitutes a false accusation. It is a claim or statement that accuses someone of committing a crime or engaging in wrongful behavior when no actual evidence or factual basis supports the claim.

In Williamson County, as in most jurisdictions, making false accusations is a serious offense. It can result in criminal charges, including defamation, perjury, or filing a false police report. However, these charges are typically brought by the state, not the individual who was falsely accused. Even if the accused person suffers harm due to false accusations, they don’t have the option to individually press charges against the accuser.

Real Cases of False Accusation

In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases that highlight the importance of addressing false accusations promptly and seeking legal assistance to protect yourself. Let’s explore three true stories of false accusation:

The Duke Lacrosse Case (2006)

In Durham, North Carolina, three members of the Duke University lacrosse team were accused of sexually assaulting a female exotic dancer at a team party. The allegations created a media frenzy and resulted in the wrongful indictment of the players. However, as the case unfolded, it became clear that the allegations were false. The accuser’s story contained inconsistencies, and DNA evidence failed to link any of the accused players to the assault. Eventually, all charges were dropped, and the players were declared innocent. This case serves as a prominent example of how false accusations can impact the lives of individuals and the importance of rigorous legal defense.

The Brian Banks Case (2002)

Brian Banks, a promising high school football player, had his dreams shattered when he was falsely accused of rape by a fellow student. Despite maintaining his innocence, Banks faced immense pressure and the potential of serving a lengthy prison sentence. His legal representation played a crucial role in uncovering evidence that proved his innocence. Eventually, Banks’ accuser admitted to fabricating the allegations. With the support of his legal team, Banks was exonerated and fought to rebuild his life.

The Central Park Five Case (1989)

In this widely publicized case, five Black and Hispanic teenagers were wrongfully accused and convicted of assaulting and raping a white female jogger in New York City’s Central Park. The defendants, known as the Central Park Five, endured a highly prejudiced investigation and trial that resulted in their imprisonment for several years. However, in 2002, the convictions were overturned after another individual confessed to the crime, and DNA evidence confirmed his guilt. This case serves as a tragic example of how false accusations can lead to the wrongful conviction of innocent individuals.

False accusations can have devastating consequences, impacting an individual’s life, reputation, and freedom.

Consequences of False Accusations

When someone makes false accusations against you, it can lead to:

Damage to your reputation: Being falsely accused can tarnish your reputation in the eyes of your community, friends, and family. It can be challenging to repair the damage caused by false accusations, even if you are later proven innocent.
Legal repercussions: False accusations can lead to legal trouble for the accused. In some cases, false accusations can result in criminal charges, which can lead to significant fines, probation, or even jail time. It’s crucial to address false accusations promptly and with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Emotional distress: Being falsely accused can take an emotional toll on the accused. It can cause anxiety, stress, and even depression. These emotional burdens can impact all aspects of your life, including work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Impact on career: False accusations can also impact your professional life. It can lead to loss of employment, difficulty finding new job opportunities, and even career stagnation. Employers may hesitate to hire someone with a tarnished reputation, even if the accusations are baseless.

False Accusation Statistics

Here are some eye-opening statistics about false accusations and their impact on individuals.

Approximately 15% of all DNA-based exonerations involved false accusations. (Source: innocenceproject.org)
A study conducted by the National Registry of Exonerations found that 54% of innocent people who were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated were victims of false accusations. (Source: innocenceproject.org)
False accusations of domestic violence occur in approximately 10% of all reported cases, according to a study published in the Journal of Family Violence. (Source: The Journal of Family Violence, October 2014)
In cases of sexual assault, a study published in the Journal of Forensic Psychology found that approximately 5% of accusations were false. (Source: Journal of Forensic Psychology)
False accusations of theft or property crimes account for approximately 8%-10% of reported cases, leading to wrongful arrests and convictions. (Source: The Balance)
False allegations of drug-related offenses are estimated to make up around 20% of all reported drug crimes. (Source: Drug Policy Alliance)

Steps to Protect Yourself

While you may not always be able to press charges against someone for making false accusations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and mitigate the damage. It’s essential to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can guide you through the process. Here are some actions you can consider:

Gather evidence and documentation

Collect any evidence or documentation that disproves the false accusations. This can include text messages, emails, witnesses, or any other evidence that supports your innocence. Documenting your side of the story is crucial in building a defense against false accusations.

Consult with an attorney

A skilled Williamson County criminal defense attorney understands the intricacies of the legal system and can guide you through the process. They will help protect your rights, gather evidence, and build a strong defense strategy.

Maintain composure and avoid confrontation

While it may be tempting to confront the accuser or spread your side of the story, it’s important to remain composed and avoid engaging in confrontations. Engaging in arguments or retaliations can potentially escalate the situation and harm your chances of a favorable outcome. Let your attorney handle the legal matters while you maintain your composure.

Cooperate with the investigation

If a formal investigation is launched, it’s essential to cooperate fully. Provide your criminal defense attorney with any necessary information and be transparent during the process. Cooperating with the investigation demonstrates your willingness to resolve the false accusations fairly.

Libel and defamation

If the false accusations have reached a broader audience through public statements or social media, you may have grounds to pursue a libel or defamation case. In such situations, it’s best to ask your lawyer about the viability of a civil lawsuit for damages.

Damages for False Accusations

Being falsely accused of a crime can leave you emotionally traumatized. Thankfully, there are legal options available to seek compensation for the harm caused.

One of the avenues you can explore is filing a lawsuit for civil damages. This type of lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for various types of harm, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damage to your reputation.

To build a strong case for civil damages and possibly help with evidence and a timeline in criminal court, we recommend that you keep a detailed journal of the impact the false accusations have on your life. This journal can document the physical and emotional toll the situation has taken on you. For example, if you lost sleep due to stress and anxiety caused, note it down. If you experienced financial losses, such as being fired from your job or losing clients, record it. Even the strain on personal relationships, such as a spouse leaving or your children questioning your integrity, should be documented.

Keeping a journal serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps you organize your thoughts and emotions during a challenging time. Secondly, it creates a valuable record of the damages you have suffered, which can be presented as evidence in court. Thirdly, it shows the impact the false accusations have had on your life and can help strengthen your case for compensation.

We Are Williamson County Criminal Defense Lawyers

When facing false accusations or allegations of making false accusations in Williamson County, you need a knowledgeable, experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Scott Magee, Attorney At Law, is board certified in criminal defense cases and understands the challenges of navigating through false accusation cases. To set up a free legal consultation or case review, please contact us now. Let us help you in this trying time.