Police Questioning
There is an old story, passed around by police officers for decades, about the questioning of a suspect in a bank robbery. The suspect refused to talk about a particular bank robbery, but when the subject of a different robbery came up, the suspect responded, “You don’t have me in that one, I was wearing a mask.” Well, if they didn’t have him before, they sure do now.
The purpose of police questioning is not to help you explain things, or give you a chance to talk your way out of trouble, but to get a confession from you. You see, if you confess, the police don’t really have to do their job.
At the outset of any interview in which you are in custody, you will be read your rights as guaranteed you by the United States Constitution. You have the right to remain silent. Everything you tell them will be used against you, whether you think it benefits you or not. Prosecutors are masters at twisting what you say into their purposes. Exercise this right. You should not say anything without talking to a lawyer first, and generally you should not say anything at all. You have the right to an attorney. Ask for one. If you ask for a lawyer all questioning must stop. Don’t ask the police, “Do I need a lawyer?” If you have to ask that question, then YOU DO NEED A LAWYER. Say to the police, without any hesitation or question in your voice: “I want to speak to an attorney.”
The police may try to entice you with a deal to get you to speak, using such tricks as “Your buddy confessed and fingered you.” or “You want to get out in front of this.” or “You might help your situation if you write it down first, explaining your conduct.” This is all a ploy to get you to talk, to do their job for them. Do not fall for it, the thing they hate most is a suspect who “lawyers up” because then they have to do some actual investigation.
Many times, a detective will call you up and ask you to come in and answer some questions. If you are not in custody, the police may not inform you of your constitutional rights, but you have them just the same. Contact a lawyer BEFORE you go see the detective.
The bottom line is: Don’t say word one to the police without speaking to a lawyer first. Don’t do their job for them.
Call me and we’ll arrange a free initial consultation before anything is said to the police.