Wrongly Accused of Harassment
My question involves criminal law for the state of: PA
I received a call from my local police department that someone had filed a report of harassment against me and the claims they made were false.
How do you defend yourself against something like this ... they reported that I was harrasing them and making racial slurrs, when I haven't done anything I am being accused of.
We did have a issue over a week and a half before they contacted the police, but between that incident (which was resolved, and had no mention of in the police report), and now, the people and I have had no contact at all.
I want them to leave me alone, but I think I am being set up for possible charges to be filed against me ... what do I do to protect myself.
I want nothing to do with these people, but they are trying to cause trouble ... what legal issues can I face and what do they need to prove I was harassing them ?
Can they fabricate enough stuff to get me in trouble even though I have distanced myself from them and had no contact with them at all ?
Re: Wrongly Accused of Harassment
Get a lawyer is the usual way. Frankly, I'd just deny that you did any of these things and otherwise refrain from talking to the police further without a lawyer. Generally, the police are obliged to follow up on these complaints. However, absent some corroboration of a crime either from other witnesses or by you incriminating yourself in their questioning, they usually just get dropped.
If charged, I'd definitely consult a lawyer. Even as a summary offense it's worth fighting.
The first step, is that even if what they said happened was true, you may not even be guilty. Racial slurs, as repugnant as they may be, does not meet the definition of harassment. It has to be obscene or specifically threatening or been done repeatedly with the intent to annoy. Of course, the fact that the alleged incident didn't occur will also be addressed.
Re: Wrongly Accused of Harassment
Thank you for your help ... it eases my mind a little.
The earlier issue I had with the complaintant was over a business situation, and they ended up having to shut down something they were doing.
I believe this is basically being done to cause me trouble, legally, as one of the couple is a former law student, and I am sure she is trying to cause me issues, even through lying in court.
I would not put it past them to get someone to say I was doing what they accuse me of, even though I have had no contact with them at all, as they already went as far as to file an incident with the local police that is 100% fabricated lies.
How do you defend yourself against something like this happening ... basically, it looks like I can just come up with any old story and flie a complaint against anyone I feel like filing a complaint against, and there is nothing anyone can do about it.
I just feel like I am cornered.
Thanks again for your advice.