You’ve seen it in countless movies and TV shows, but can an innocent person really be set up or “framed” for a crime they didn’t commit? The unfortunate answer is yes. False accusations and manipulated evidence happen more often in real life than you might think, and they can lead to an innocent person being wrongly convicted and sent to prison.

Steven Avery was released from prison in 2003 after serving almost two decades for a crime that evidence now proves he did not commit.

How Does a Frame-Up Happen?

While most police investigators use common sense and follow the evidence, sometimes a case can go wrong. A frame-up can occur when:

  • Evidence is Manipulated: A person or group secretly manipulates evidence to point suspicion toward an innocent individual.
  • Police Misconduct: In some rare cases, law enforcement officers themselves may frame a suspect, as was alleged in the highly-publicized case of Steven Avery.

If you believe you are being framed for a crime, it’s crucial to seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Do not confront the person you suspect is framing you. Instead, take your case directly to an experienced and trustworthy attorney who can investigate the matter and protect your rights.

 

If you believe that someone's framing you for a crime, do not confront that person. Talk to an experienced defense lawyer immediately.

Real-Life Stories of Wrongful Conviction

While some high-profile cases, like the one explored in the Netflix documentary Making a Murderer, have brought this issue to light, there are many other examples of innocent people who have been framed and wrongly convicted.

  • Randall Adams: In 1977, a man named Randall Adams was convicted for the murder of a Dallas police officer. He was sentenced to die and came within three days of his execution before a stay was ordered. He served a total of 12 years in prison before the real killer confessed, and Adams was set free.
  • Brian Banks: A promising high school football star, Brian Banks, was falsely accused of rape in 2002. Facing a 40-year prison sentence, he offered a false confession and served five years, which destroyed his dreams of playing in the NFL. His conviction was later overturned when his accuser confessed, and Banks had the foresight to secretly record her.

The innocence project was founded to vindicate those wrongly convicted of crimes, and to help prevent wrongful convictions.

What to Do If You’re Being Framed

If you are arrested or are under investigation for a crime, you must consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer can intervene on your behalf before charges are even filed.

If you are taken into custody for a crime you did not commit, remember to:

  • Remain Silent: You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to have your attorney present during any interrogation.
  • Be Polite, but Firm: Be polite to investigators, but insist on exercising your rights.
  • Do Not Consent to Searches: Never voluntarily consent to a search of your person, home, or vehicle. Always ensure that officers have a valid search warrant.

Suspects with a criminal record will typically have a tougher time convincing a jury that they were framed by the police.

The Problem with Claiming a Frame-Up

Judges and juries generally assume that law enforcement officers act professionally. Therefore, claiming that you were framed by police requires convincing proof. This defense is often more difficult to use, especially if you have a prior criminal record.

However, a good criminal defense lawyer will examine every aspect of your case to uncover any flaws or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. While some theories about prolific serial killers framing innocent people may be far-fetched, the reality is that many set-ups collapse under heightened scrutiny.

If you are arrested and charged with a felony or misdemeanor, it is imperative to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not act as your own attorney, and do not confess or agree to anything before you have consulted with a trustworthy lawyer.