There are many reasons why a wrongful conviction may take place, from misinformed eyewitnesses to bad confessions. Whatever the reason, if it happens to you, it can really take its toll mentally. That is why it is vital to know what your options are in order to move forward in the most healthy way possible. Wrongful convictions ruin lives, after all, and you don’t want that to be the end of your story. This guide has some actionable steps you can take if you find yourself on the other side of a wrongful conviction.
Be Mindful About Your Mental Health
Going through something like this is classed as a traumatic event. Trauma can impact your life in many ways, one of which is a depletion in mental health. You may experience high levels of anxiety, an increased level of depressive thoughts, and even misplaced shame or embarrassment at what you’ve been through. These are all natural responses, but you have to protect your mental health in order to heal and move on with your life. Look out for the classic mental health red flags and always seek help if you feel things deteriorating.
Try to Get Back to Some Normality
While it may feel like the last thing you want to do, seeking out a return to your normal routine is beneficial. Try to reengage with work so that you can rebuild your finances, and reach out to people you may have left behind along the way. Normalcy will support healing in more ways than you can imagine, and it will make you feel like your old self again.
Consider Counselling
Counseling is highly beneficial for trauma such as this. A trained ear will listen and support you in any way you need and it is a safe base to start to work through what you’ve lived through.
Talk to Your Close Circle About the Experience
Alongside professional CBT methods, you should also think about talking to your loved ones about what has happened. Chances are you’ve lost touch or even suffered rifts in your close relationships as a direct consequence of what has taken place, but it’s never too late to mend the cracks and it will support your well-being in more ways than you can imagine.
Hire a Lawyer for Compensation
One road to go down is seeking compensation. It is typical to want to be compensated after a wrongful conviction because it is likely that you may have lost your employment and therefore source of income, suffered reputational damage, and more as a direct result of the event. To do this properly, you will need legal representation. A law firm like Romanucci & Blandin that is able to offer a specialized attorney to deal with your case is always the best option for maximizing the outcome in your favor.
Coming through the other side of a wrongful conviction is bound to cause disruption. After all, your whole life has just been turned upside down and now you are left picking up the pieces. Someone is responsible and it is important to find justice so that you can move on and start to recuperate.
