Facing false criminal accusations can be one of the most damaging and destabilizing events of your life. Whether the claim stems from a misunderstanding, a deliberate lie, or mistaken identity, the consequences can be devastating—even if you are eventually found innocent. In many cases, the mere accusation is enough to cause social stigma, job loss, emotional distress, and long-term reputational harm.
At Perlman & Cohen, we have helped hundreds of clients defend themselves against false allegations in Los Angeles and beyond. We understand the emotional, legal, and professional toll these cases take—and we know how to fight back strategically, aggressively, and with discretion.
In this guide, we break down what to do if you're falsely accused of a crime, how the legal system treats these cases, and how our team works to protect your future from the very first consultation.
When someone accuses you of a crime you didn’t commit, you may assume that the truth will eventually come out. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with investigating complaints, not arbitrating truth from the outset. Once an accusation is made—especially in serious cases like domestic violence, sexual assault, child endangerment, or fraud—officers may arrest you based on probable cause alone.
You could be:
In California, prosecutors may proceed with a case even when the alleged victim later recants or admits they were mistaken. Once the justice system is engaged, it takes a strong legal effort to unwind the consequences of a false accusation.
If you are the subject of a false allegation, you still have constitutional protections under federal and California law. These include:
These rights are not self-executing, however. You must invoke them, and you must have a legal team ready to enforce them at every stage.
If your rights are violated—through unlawful search and seizure, coerced statements, or prosecutorial misconduct—your legal team may be able to suppress evidence or move for dismissal.
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False criminal charges can arise from a wide range of situations. In our experience, some of the most common include:
In many of these cases, once the police or prosecution are involved, the situation escalates quickly—even if the underlying facts are weak.
Perlman & Cohen’s Approach:
We do not assume that justice will happen on its own. Our team immediately starts investigating the accuser’s motive, credibility, and past behavior. We seek out inconsistencies in statements, evidence of bias, and witness testimony that may contradict the accusation. In cases involving digital communication, we work to recover text messages, emails, location data, and social media content that may support your defense.
Even if charges are dropped or you are acquitted at trial, false accusations can have lasting personal and professional consequences:
Some individuals may find their names permanently associated with criminal allegations online, even after full exoneration. This can affect your employment, relationships, and community standing for years to come.
At Perlman & Cohen, our strategy goes beyond courtroom defense, we also help clients manage reputational harm, protect their privacy, and rebuild their lives once the legal battle is over.
Prosecutors are not required to prove that you “actually” committed the crime at the arrest stage. They only need to believe there is sufficient evidence to proceed with charges. In practice, this often results in overcharging or pursuing weak cases that rely heavily on a single accuser’s testimony.
Prosecutors may:
It is critical to work with a defense attorney who understands how to challenge the prosecutor’s assumptions, file pretrial motions, and expose the weaknesses in the state’s case.
Every case is unique, but our approach to defending against false accusations in Los Angeles generally involves six key steps:
We make contact with investigators, prosecutors, or opposing counsel immediately to clarify your position, block improper interviews, and protect your rights.
We don’t rely on the police report. We conduct a parallel investigation to collect timelines, digital evidence, surveillance footage, and witness interviews.
We look into the accuser’s background, including possible motives (e.g., revenge, custody, jealousy, employment retaliation) and patterns of behavior.
In relevant cases, we utilize expert forensic analysis of devices, DNA, or physical evidence to refute claims made by the prosecution.
We file motions to exclude inadmissible or prejudicial evidence, suppress illegally obtained statements, and request dismissals when legal thresholds aren’t met.
If your case proceeds to trial, our attorneys are aggressive, seasoned litigators who know how to cross-examine witnesses, challenge credibility, and persuade juries. If dismissal is not possible, we may seek to resolve the case through pretrial diversion or a non-criminal outcome that preserves your record.
Knowingly making a false criminal accusation is a serious offense under both California and federal law.
Under California Penal Code § 148.5, filing a false police report is a misdemeanor. In more severe cases—such as fabricating evidence or perjury—charges may include:
Although rare, it is possible for individuals who falsely accuse someone of a crime to be prosecuted themselves or held liable in civil court for defamation.
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At Perlman & Cohen, we understand that legal victory is only part of the battle. Even after a case is resolved, your online presence, career prospects, and personal relationships may still suffer.
We work with reputation management professionals and, when necessary, file petitions to:
Our firm takes a holistic approach to defending your future—not just your case.
Choosing the right legal team is essential when your reputation, freedom, and integrity are at stake. Our firm is built on trust, responsiveness, and a results-driven philosophy. When you hire Perlman & Cohen, you get:
Do not wait until formal charges are filed. The earlier you involve an experienced criminal defense attorney, the more options you have for stopping the case before it progresses. Even if you believe the truth will protect you, do not take chances with your future.
Contact Perlman & Cohen for a confidential consultation.
Our team is ready to defend your rights and protect your reputation—starting today.
