Motive to Lie in Rhode Island Criminal Cases

When the Truth Doesn't Help the Accuser, a Lie Might.

One of the most powerful questions in any criminal case is also one of the simplest:

Why would this person say that?

At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we dig deep into the personal motivations behind accusations. Because sometimes the story isn't just wrong—it's strategic. And when someone has a motive to lie, we expose it.

Whether you're facing a false accusation in a domestic violence, sexual assault, theft, or white-collar case, we know how to unravel the story and show the court what's really going on.

Why Would Someone Lie in a Criminal Case?

Jurors often ask this silently. We answer it out loud—with evidence.

We've defended clients against allegations motivated by:

• Revenge

• Jealousy

• Custody battles

• Breakups or personal betrayal

• Fear of being arrested themselves

• Desire to cover their own wrongdoing

• Pressure from family or law enforcement

• Desire for a visa or immigration benefit (U Visa fraud)

• Money or lawsuits

• Social or political agendas

Not all lies are obvious. That's why we investigate, challenge, and reveal the parts of the story the State wants to gloss over.

Where Motive to Lie Often Comes Into Play

We've seen fabricated or exaggerated claims used as weapons in:

• Domestic assault or no-contact order violations

• Sexual assault or misconduct allegations

• Child abuse investigations

• Theft or financial fraud accusations

• Property disputes between family or roommates

• Gun or drug possession charges when multiple people are involved

If someone stands to benefit from your conviction—or is trying to avoid responsibility themselves—we dig into it. And we bring that motive to light in court.

How We Prove Someone Has a Motive to Lie

🔍 Timeline Analysis

Does their story only emerge after a breakup? A fight? A custody filing? We trace the sequence.

🧾 Texts, Emails, and Social Media

Digital footprints often reveal bitterness, threats, or admissions that contradict their claims.

👁 Cross-Examination

We question them—calmly, thoroughly, and strategically—to uncover inconsistencies and expose ulterior motives.

🧠 Prior Behavior Patterns

Have they made similar accusations before? Is there a history of using the system to punish people?

📝 Police Reports and Statements

We compare every version of the story—especially when it changes over time.

When we present this to a judge or jury, we don't just imply a motive to lie—we prove it.

This Isn't Just “He Said / She Said.” It's About Who Has a Reason to Lie.

Our job isn't just to challenge the accusation. It's to explain why it was made in the first place. And once the motive becomes clear, the truth often falls into place.

This defense is especially powerful when used alongside:

• False Allegation Defense

• Consent

• Wrongful Identification

• Miranda or Coercion Challenges

When the State builds its case on one person's word, we attack the credibility of that word from every angle.

Don't Let a Personal Agenda Lead to a Criminal Conviction

Being falsely accused is terrifying—especially when it's calculated. But you don't have to face it alone.

At Manosh Payette Criminal Defense Attorneys, we're experts in exposing lies, dissecting motives, and dismantling credibility—step by step, witness by witness.

📞 Call Now to Start Building a Truth-Based Defense

📍 Serving clients across Rhode Island from our Providence office
📞 401-854-7794 | ✉️ Contact Us

We don't just poke holes in the case. We shine a spotlight on the real reason you're sitting in that courtroom.