The police are at my door. Should I talk?
The police are at my door right now and want to question me. Should I talk?
Do Not Succumb to Seemingly Informal Questioning
Most cases that end up being charged criminally are the result of interrogations such as this. It’s almost always a bad idea to talk to police until after you know what they’re looking for, even if you believe you’re not in trouble or that you’ve done nothing wrong.
Be Wary of Your Words
Keep in mind that anything you say may be used to incriminate you. Seemingly harmless statements such as “I may have hit the guy” and “I had a beer a few hours ago” may turn into “the suspect admitted to hitting the victim” and “the suspect had been drinking.”
Get Help
It’s vital to seek the help of a lawyer who specializes in criminal law and understands police tactics. When interrogating you, the police will often lie about evidence, pressure you, threaten you with arrest, assure you that all will be easier if you simply confess, or even tell you that you will “feel better after you confess.” An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through this process and advise you on what to say, and what to not say.
Silence Is Golden
Especially if you are nervous, tired, scared, or under the influence, it is best to exercise your Fifth Amendment right to silence until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
