What to Do When You are Falsely Accused of Stalking in Illinois

A 30-year-old lawyer moved into a higher-end apartment complex outside of Chicago. It was closer to his work, and he is happy to have made a move. He notices that one of his neighbors, a woman around the same age, tries to start conversations with him almost every morning. He talks to her to be polite, but he is always the first one to leave the conversation.

Eventually, the woman asks if he would like to come over for dinner. Since he has recently begun a relationship with another woman, he politely declines what he thinks is intended to be a date. The neighbor suddenly stops talking to him every morning, and he assumes she has just moved on. A few weeks later, a police officer shows up at his door, and he finds out that the woman is falsely accusing him of stalking her.

What Happens When Neighbors Falsely Accuse Other Neighbors?

Most people get along with their neighbors and enjoy a cordial but somewhat distant relationship. Sometimes people become friends with their neighbors. In other cases, a neighbor is less interested in developing a friendly relationship and more interested in falsely accusing a neighbor of crimes, including stalking. False accusations of stalking can happen in any neighborhood and to anyone. Knowing that you have been falsely accused of stalking can feel overwhelming, especially when you are innocent. We will discuss some actions you can take to protect yourself.

Collect Records

It is wise to keep and maintain any records involving the person who is accusing you. If you have text messages or emails, screenshot them and save them. Write down all of these statements your neighbor may have made against you. If they are false, you may be able to take legal action against your neighbor later in civil court.

Do Not Contact the Accuser

Being falsely accused of a crime is devastating, and it can be natural to want to clear your name. You may feel tempted to contact the alleged victim and explain what happened and how you are not stalking them. Do not give in to this temptation. Do not contact the alleged victim. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, talk to your lawyer. Contacting the victim could give the victim evidence to use against you in court.

Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

If a neighbor has accused you of breaking the law, it is in your best interest to be proactive. If you have been charged with stalking, you are facing a significant criminal charge. You may be tempted to brush off the accusation because you know it is false, but doing so would be risky. We recommend discussing your case with a lawyer as soon as possible so you can begin protecting yourself.

At Glasgow & Olsson, our award-winning criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in many high-profile state and federal criminal cases. Contact Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how our legal team can fight for your rights if you have been charged with stalking in Illinois.