When you're charged with a crime, everything is on the line. A criminal conviction can make it hard to do basic things, like rent a home, travel, and get a job. Statistics show that 90% of employers consider convictions when hiring and routinely deny applicants, even when it's not legal.
Your reputation is also at risk, which unfortunately gets tried by the court of public opinions far before the actual legal case is ever solved. Learning how to manage your reputation during this time is extremely important.
Don't discuss your situation without consulting an attorney
Discussing the details of your situation outside of the courtroom can hurt your case. However, in some situations, silence can be equally damaging when it's interpreted as guilt. Your circumstances will be different from anyone else's, and that's why it's crucial to consult with your attorney before talking to anyone.
For example, if you're being charged with a sex offense, many people will presume you're guilty before you even get to court. If you stay silent, that can solidify the conclusion of guilt even further. Nashville Criminal Defense Attorneys explain the severity of the situation. “The prosecution will do everything in their power to have sex offenders convicted and locked up,” they say. “But alleged sex offenders are ridiculed and have their reputations tarnished, even before they get convicted of a sexual offense.”
If you're in a situation where you'll be asked or even expected to talk to the media about your arrest, there is a right and wrong way to approach the situation.
Dig for clues about what people are getting wrong
The first thing you need to do is start searching online for information about your arrest to get a good idea of what people are saying and getting wrong. If you're going to eventually clear your name and salvage your reputation, you need to start by addressing the topics that people are focusing on most.
From there, you can consult your attorney to make sure it's okay to discuss those things. If your attorney tells you not to say anything about certain things, heed their advice because they know best.
Request that websites remove information about you
It could be a long shot in some cases due to the importance placed on freedom of information, but it's worth asking publications to remove content discussing your case. You have a better chance of succeeding with this type of request when the content is written in a libelous manner because the publication will want to avoid a lawsuit.
If you can't get anyone to remove the information, ask your attorney to write an official cease and desist letter to the editor and see if you can get it done that way.
Take a break from social media completely
Social media is where everyone goes to vent and overshare. When it's just you and your friends, it's not a big deal, but public posts can get you in trouble when you're facing criminal charges. There are few laws preventing your posts from being used against you in court. In fact, some of the most mundane pieces of information posted to social media routinely help law enforcement solve crimes.
The best course of action is to completely avoid posting on social media. This includes taking a break from Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, and any other platform you use. Don't make posts and don't comment or DM anyone. If you completely abstain from social media, there's no chance that you might post something incriminating that the prosecution can use against you.
If your lawyer says it's okay, you should also turn all of your social media profiles to private and drop followers you don't recognize. If you added anyone recently, it could be someone from the prosecutor's office attempting to stay on the inside just in case you go private.
After your court date, be ready to explain yourself
Once your case has been dismissed, settled, you've accepted a plea bargain, or you've gone to trial, you'll have to explain yourself. For instance, even if all charges are dropped and your case is dismissed, people are going to wonder how you got accused of a crime in the first place. Many people mistakenly believe that innocent people don't get charged with crimes they didn't commit.
If you've been suspended or terminated from work, explaining yourself could be the only chance you have to keep your job. However, be prepared to start over if you can't recover your reputation. You might need to move and create a new life for your own well-being.
