Horizontal infographic titled “Wrongly Accused & Charged in Florida: What Should You Do?” Beige background with navy-blue and gold accents. Left section lists: “Contact a defense attorney immediately,” “Do NOT speak to police without counsel,” and “Gather evidence, texts, and witnesses,” with matching icons (checkmark, warning sign, and document). Right side shows an attorney holding a law book with courthouse silhouettes behind him. Bottom banner reads: “Protect your rights — early legal action matters.”
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I Was Wrongly Accused and Charged in Florida. What Should I Do?

Last updated November 2025

❗ Wrongful Criminal Accusations Are More Common Than You Think

Being falsely accused of a crime in Florida is terrifying — and more common than most people realize. A wrongful accusation can jeopardize your career, immigration status, professional license, and freedom.

As a former prosecutor and now a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen innocent people charged based on:

  • One person’s accusation

  • Misinterpreted evidence

  • Police pressure to quickly “resolve” an incident

  • Prior disputes or personal bias

👉 Watch our video on what to do if your are falsely accused.

⚠️ Why “Doing Nothing” Is Dangerous

Many people think, “I didn’t do anything wrong — this will clear itself up.”
Unfortunately, that’s not how Florida’s justice system works.

Prosecutors may still:

  • Move forward on one witness statement

  • File charges based on circumstantial evidence

  • Misread digital data or social media

  • View silence as guilt

  • Use prior disputes against you

Doing nothing is the #1 mistake innocent people make.

You must take actionto protect yourself.

⚖️ What To Do If You’re Wrongly Accused in Florida

Here are the steps you must take immediately:

🚫 Do not contact the accuser

Even one emotional text can be twisted into “consciousness of guilt.”

📱 Preserve ALL evidence

Save:

  • Text messages

  • Location data / GPS history

  • Emails

  • Social media activity

  • Voicemails

  • Ring / Nest / camera footage

This evidence often becomes the key to dismissal.

👮 Do not speak to the police without a lawyer

Even “informal” conversations can be used against you.
Police are allowed to mislead, pressure, or manipulate statements.

🧑‍⚖️ Hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately

Early involvement changes everything.
Your attorney can:

  • Stop detectives from speaking to you

  • Present exculpatory evidence

  • Contact the prosecutor before filing

  • Push for no charges, dismissal, or diversion

  • Protect your record for future sealing or expungement

For serious charges (DUI, domestic violence, fraud), see our Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney page for immediate help.

🔍 Will This Go on My Record?

Unfortunately, yes — an arrest in Florida creates a public record even if charges are dropped.

But you CAN fight back.

If your case is dismissed or you received a withhold, you may be eligible to:

Learn more about how this works:

👉 Sealing & Expungement in Florida

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be convicted if there’s no evidence?

Yes. Florida allows prosecution based on a single witness statement or circumstantial evidence.

What if the accuser later admits they lied?

It helps, but prosecutors may still continue if they believe there’s any other supporting evidence.

Can I sue for being falsely accused?

Sometimes — under malicious prosecution, defamation, or civil rights claims.
But your priority should be ending the criminal case.

Will police drop the case if they believe I’m innocent?

No. The State Attorney’s Office, not the police, decides whether to file or continue charges.

Can I get the case dismissed before trial?

Yes. Your lawyer may file a motion to dismiss, challenge probable cause, or present exculpatory evidence early.

🛡️ Final Thoughts from a Florida Defense Lawyer

You don’t have to face this alone.
I help clients across South Florida clear their names, stop wrongful charges, and protect their records before the damage becomes permanent.

📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or request a free case review today.