What to do if wrongfully accused of breaking and entering?
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What to do if wrongfully accused of breaking and entering?
I went to my girlfriends house to pickup the keys to my car. As Iwas knocking on the door it opened because it was not shut tight (I’m assuming) She was not in sight so I said, “Hello” a few times. She came and then accused me of breaking in with a credit card which I did not. To avoid anymore conflict I left and returned home. I contacted the police and they said that she called. I gave my side of the story and have not heard anything for almost a week? Am I in trouble or do they just make a report?
Asked on September 22, 2011 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You may be in trouble, but you won't know it unless and until you are arrested and charged. Given that nothing has happened yet, it's very likely you will not be arrested--but again, you really can't know for sure yet. The police OFTEN just take reports they deem that no actual crime was committed (e.g. that it was a misunderstanding).
If you are arrested, then get a criminal defense attorney and let him or her represent you; you don't want to take responsibility for your own freedom and criminal record when you don't have the training or experience. Let the expert--the lawyer--help you.
In the meantime, you may wish to rethink your relationship--is it wise to be with someone who will call the police on you when you seemingly not doing anything wrong? Note that if she reports you again, it may start to look like you are harassing or stalking her.
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