Facing false allegations or accusations can feel as if your whole world has been turned upside down in a moment. Police investigations often begin with the complaint alone and can quickly become one sided and unfair, leaving you feeling powerless while the process moves forward on a version of events you know to be exaggerated or plain wrong.
Reeds Solicitors specialise in defending false allegations. Our false allegations solicitors will test the reliability of the allegation from the outset, identifying inconsistencies and supporting evidence, and ensuring your account is properly considered at the earliest stage. We act decisively and proactively at the pre-charge stage to make sure the police follow other lines of enquiry and to readdress the balance in the investigation.
False Allegations Solicitor Testimonials & Case studies
False Allegations of Sexual Offence
An allegation of sexual abuse was made by our client’s ex-partner during contested family proceedings. The allegation was strongly denied. As the proceedings progressed, two further allegations of rape were made.
We were instructed prior to charge and undertook targeted pre-charge representations. We obtained contemporaneous evidence, including photographs of the parties together the morning after one of the alleged incidents, appearing relaxed and on good terms. We also secured message exchanges between the parties which were inconsistent with the allegation, including messages referring to consensual sexual activity around the time in question.
This material was provided as part of detailed representations to the police. In light of the evidential inconsistencies, no further action was taken.
False Allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour
A medical professional was accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, with allegations that he had dictated various aspects of the complainant’s life, including her finances, social activities, and religious choices.
We obtained witness statements from multiple individuals who were able to directly contradict key aspects of the allegation. In addition, message history demonstrated that a number of the assertions had been exaggerated or taken out of context. This material was provided to the police as part of detailed representations. No further action was taken.
False Allegation of Harassment
A young man with no previous convictions was accused of harassment and stalking by his former partner, based on repeated contact following the end of their relationship. The complainant asserted that this contact was unwanted and caused her distress.
We identified early on that the account did not reflect the full context. Messages showed that contact was, at times, encouraged by the complainant, and that they had continued to spend time together socially during the period said to amount to harassment.
The complainant relied on call logs to suggest persistent unwanted contact. We obtained independent call data, which revealed that a number of calls made by her to our client had been omitted from the material provided to the police.
This evidence undermined the reliability of the allegation. At trial, our client was found not guilty.
How Can Reeds Solicitors Help With False Accusations?
The starting point is to arrange an initial meeting, where we can assess the allegation, the stage that you are at and carefully listen to your side of the story.
We will then consider whether it is in your interests for us to intervene by suggesting lines of enquiry to the investigating officer. We can also take statements from potential witnesses, compile defence evidence such as messages, social media and other digital material, and submit written representations to the police setting out why the allegation should not proceed to court.
The Crown Prosecution Service applies a two-part test – whether there is a realistic prospect of conviction and whether a prosecution is in the public interest. In many false allegation cases, the key issue is that the evidential test is not met, particularly where there are inconsistencies in the account or indications of a malicious motive.
If your case proceeds to court, we provide robust representation throughout. This includes taking a proactive approach to disclosure, including requests for ‘unused’ material that may undermine the prosecution case.
You will have direct contact with your false allegation solicitor throughout, including their mobile number. We will be responsive and keep you updated at every stage of your case.
Reeds Solicitors is a top tier firm, with solicitors ranked in the legal directories as leaders in their field. With offices across the country, we are able to assist wherever you are based.
Can You Sue Someone for Making False Allegations?
In some circumstances, it may be possible to take legal action against someone who has made false allegations. Potential options can include civil claims such as defamation, although these cases are often legally and evidentially complex.
If there is evidence of deliberate fabrication and that the account is demonstrably false, a complaint can be made to the police alleging offences such as perverting the course of justice. If the police or prosecution authorities do not take action, it may also be possible to bring a private prosecution against the person who made the false allegation.
Reeds Solicitors is an award winning and leading top-tier criminal defence firm. For legal advice and representation, please contact a False Allegations Solicitor through our contact page here. Alternatively, you can phone 0333 240 7373, or email us at [email protected].
Meet Our Criminal Defence Team
Stuart Matthews
Founding Partner, Solicitor-Advocate & Head of Private Crime
Scott Primmer
Partner & Solicitor
Nathan Seymour-Hyde
Partner & Solicitor
Beth Mantel
Partner, Team Leader (North-West) Complex Crime & Solicitor
Nicola Hutchinson
Partner & Solicitor Advocate
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone can find themselves on the wrong side of the criminal law when a false allegation or accusation of alleged criminal conduct is made against them.
Facing false allegations or accusations can be an upsetting experience with possibly serious consequences on an individual’s personal and professional life. Employment or future employment prospects can be jeopardised, especially for professionals. If the allegations result in a suspension from work, this could have an impact on finances. Relationships could become strained with friends and family.
False allegations or accusations are when someone deliberately or accidentally (for example because of a misunderstanding) makes an allegation of criminal conduct against another person which that other person did not commit. The complainant may be acting in bad faith or, may even have misunderstood the situation.
False allegations can be made of any kind, such as theft (for example shop lifting) or other offences such as sexual offences.
If you are the victim of a false allegation, it is essential to take immediate action and seek legal representation. A false allegations Solicitor specialises in these types of cases.
We can assist you at any stage of your journey in facing false accusations:
- Police Station representation
- Voluntary Police Interview Assistance
- Pre-charge advice and representations
- Investigative work – expert witnesses, forensics, and building a defence
- Representation in court (Magistrates/Crown)
- Reputation and Crisis Management
- Post charge provisions – DBS and police record removals.
A person who makes false allegations can be prosecuted for perverting the course of justice, which is an offence that carries an immediate custodial sentence in most cases. The Crown Prosecution Service do prosecute false accusers. False allegations appear to be on the increase.
Even in cases where the police or CPS choose not to prosecute an individual for making a false allegation, taking out a private prosecution may still be possible.
Proving your innocence can be a difficult and complex process. The starting point will be to consult with expert criminal defence solicitors that specialise in defending false allegations. Further steps can include gathering relevant evidence, identifying potential witnesses, establishing an alibi if relevant, carefully examining and scrutinising the allegations being made, challenging the evidence, retaining the services of relevant expert witnesses if required, and hiring the right legal team to advise you and represent you in defending the false allegations made against you.
We hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency which enables eligible clients to obtain public funding for their case should they meet the criteria, and in all other cases we offer competitive private rates which can be tailored to meet your individual circumstances and requirements. We can in some cases also offer fixed fees to advise or represent you so you that know exactly where you stand with costs. Our solicitors are approachable, friendly, helpful, sympathetic, empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive.
We strongly advise that you do not discuss the allegations with anyone, whether that be friends or family, or the police, or even the accuser, without consulting a solicitor, as this can have potential legal ramifications.
Don’t let false allegations define your future, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your options. Call us on us on 0333 240 7373, or click here to provide us with your details and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
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