What to Do When You’ve Been Falsely Accused of Stealing at Work
There are few things worse than being accused of doing something you didn’t do, especially when you’re accused of stealing by the very people you work alongside each and every day.
Being falsely accused of stealing at work can be an incredibly stressful time, but it’s important to keep in mind that despite this false accusation you must act rationally to protect your financial situation going forward. If you blow up at the person accusing your you can probably wave goodbye to your job; but of course, that doesn’t mean you should allow for the false accusation to stand without a fight.
If you’ve been falsely accused of stealing in your workplace, make sure you follow the following points (in order) to to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible so you can get back to earning a living:
Write and File a Report
The very first thing you’re going to need to do is write and file a report to your company management. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a police report at this point (though this may be needed at a later date). So long as you get down your version of events in writing you will help your case tremendously going forward.
Once your report is written you must print out several copies, sign and date them all, then (keeping a couple of copies for yourself) make sure your company management are immediately sent a copy or two, along with your supervisor.
Speak to Your Immediate Supervisor
When you meet with your supervisor to hand them your report of the events that lead up to you being falsely accused, you must do all you can to convince them of your innocence so they can help to attest to your credibility when they’re speaking with the higher levels of management within your company.
Chances are, if you’ve always gotten on well with your supervisor they will be able to tell immediately that you’re telling the truth, and will take this gut instinct with them when they go to speak with the higher level managers. Though it would be just as easy for you to speak to these managers yourself to begin with, it’s always a better idea to speak with your supervisor first and foremost, as they already know and trust you – and their managers will know and trust them.
Contact the Police
Nothing helps to shine a light on your innocence more than being the first person to contact the police once the event takes place if you believe it is likely that your company itself, or the employee who is falsely accusing you of stealing, will likely call them eventually.
Now, there’s a good chance that your employers won’t want to the police to become involved. If this is the case then you must get it in writing (and signed) from your employer that they absolutely believe the accusation to be false, they trust your innocence, and this issue is considered over. You’ll also want them to agree that, as you have been wrongfully accused of stealing, no negative affects can ever come about due to this accusation, both during your time working for them and after you leave them.
Contact a Criminal Lawyer
If you do get the police involved the next, and possibly most important, thing you’re going to need to do is contact a criminal lawyer to represent you. If you’re based up in Scotland, finding a quality criminal lawyer in Glasgow shouldn’t be too difficult, especially if you want to find one who has specific experience in working with falsely accused employees in the workplace.
During this period you’re going to want to have your lawyer on hand when speaking with the police so to ensure you have the best chance of coming away from your accusation unscathed. If your company does decide to press charges you’ll appreciate having your lawyer sat alongside you.
In conclusion, there are few things worse than being accused of stealing by the very people you work alongside each and every day. If you are falsely accused of stealing at work, you’re first going to want to write and file a report, followed by speaking to your supervisor, contacting the police, and speaking with a criminal lawyer.
About the Author:
Sophie Haynes is a writer for Kilcoyne & Co., a law firm in Scotland where you can find a professional defense criminal lawyer in Glasgow for you, a loved one, or anyone who needs legal representation.
Category: Law
