Video chapters
Quick answer
Do not try to talk your way out of a false allegation before getting legal advice. Confirm whether police want to arrest, interview or charge you; use your right to silence subject to limited exceptions; preserve original evidence; comply with bail or protection orders; and do not contact the complainant or witnesses.
What to do
- Clarify — Find out whether police seek arrest, interview or a statement
- Advise — Speak to a criminal lawyer before answering questions
- Preserve — Secure messages, locations, CCTV and witness details
- Comply — Follow bail, protection and no-contact conditions exactly
Transcript
A false criminal allegation can still lead to an interview, arrest, charge, bail conditions and court. Do not assume a long explanation will make the problem disappear. First identify what police are asking you to do and whether any immediate order or reporting obligation applies.
You generally have a right to silence beyond limited identifying questions, but exceptions differ by state and situation. Ask whether you are free to leave and request legal advice before any recorded interview or written statement. There is no reliable off-the-record conversation with an investigator.
Keep complete message threads, call logs, photographs, receipts, location data and social-media records. Identify CCTV before it is overwritten and write a private chronology while events are fresh. Give witness names to your lawyer; do not coach, pressure or coordinate accounts with them.
Do not confront the complainant, post accusations online or breach bail, intervention or domestic violence conditions. Preserve material rather than editing or deleting it. If charged, note every court date and obtain the police version of events, charge documents and bail paperwork for your lawyer.
A criminal lawyer can advise on police contact, evidence preservation, bail and the next court step. Go To Court can provide free general information at any hour and arrange a criminal-law consultation where a suitable lawyer is available. The contact details are on your screen.
Sources and further help
Sources checked 3 September 2026.
Important
This video provides general information about criminal law and police investigations in Australia. It is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. Laws, procedures, fees and time limits can change, and state or territory rules may apply. Get advice from a qualified lawyer about your situation.