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Being questioned by law enforcement can be nerve-wracking for anyone, even if you know you haven’t done anything wrong. Unfortunately, there have been cases where police officers have pressured suspects into false confessions, leading to many innocent people ending up in jail. If the police have recently asked to speak to you about a case, you might be wondering about the best ways that you can protect your legal rights in the interrogation room. Our knowledgeable law firm has all the answers you’ll need! Continue reading this blog to find out why it’s important to speak with a lawyer before answering a police officer’s questions. For further help, reach out to a Mercer County Criminal Defense Lawyer today for an initial consultation.
SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER BEFORE SPEAKING TO THE POLICE?
Yes, we highly recommend hiring a lawyer before the police interrogate you about any criminal cases or ongoing investigations. When you’re a suspect, the police might not always have your best interests in mind. Many people might not know that the police are legally allowed to lie to suspects and use other manipulation tactics to get information out of them. A talented lawyer will be aware of these tactics and step in if an officer attempts to manipulate you in the interrogation room. You have the right to have an attorney present with you in the interrogation room, so you should use that right if you can. A criminal defense lawyer will know the best ways to protect your rights.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID TELLING LAW ENFORCEMENT?
In general, you should avoid saying anything that could possibly incriminate you. Always keep in mind that you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions. Also, although the police are legally allowed to lie to you, do not purposefully lie to the investigators. You could be criminally charged for giving misinformation to law enforcement officers. Anything you say in the interrogation room could potentially be held against you later. Always consult a lawyer before speaking with the police so you know what to be aware of. For example, don’t let the police officers fool you into thinking they can make you a deal to waive criminal charges. This happens in movies but won’t work in real life.
Have you recently been asked by the police to come in for questioning? It’s normal to feel nervous, but the good news is that highly experienced law firms like ours are on your side! Contact the Law Office of Douglas Herring today for an initial consultation.
