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 action to 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:
Seal your record
Expunge the arrest entirely
Remove the case from background checks
Learn more about how this works:
❓ 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.