Police interrogations can be scary experiences and sometimes it seems like the cops will do anything they want to get the answers they are looking for. You have rights though. This is when you stand up for them. Our Hartford County criminal defense attorneys can advise you on how to protect yourself and help you choose the best path forward. Here is what you need to know about police interrogations.
Should You Answer Questions During Police Interrogations?
Most of the time, the answer is no. It is rare that you can gain anything from answering during police interrogations. The cops are looking for something, anything that can be used against you. So even if you think you have all of the right answers, answering a cop’s questions can actually put you in a precarious position.
Let’s say they ask about where you were at a certain time. You know you did not do anything wrong, so you answer honestly. It turns out that you just admitted to being right near a crime scene at the time before the crime occurred. The cops can try to use that against you, even though you did nothing wrong!
Do Cops Need to Tell the Truth During Interrogations?
Another problem is that cops are not obligated to tell the truth during police interrogations. They can tell lies, big and small, in their efforts to trip up criminals.
This can make it even harder to figure out what you should say. So do not say anything. You have the fifth amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. If you believe that speaking could result in you being accused of a crime, then you must stay silent.
Will Cooperating During Police Interrogations Help Me?
One misconception that some people have is that simply cooperating during police interrogations will make them end faster and clear up any misunderstanding though. This is not necessarily the case though. As we already mentioned, cops can lie to you and they can take what you have said and try to use it against you. Trying to cooperate in this situation can just get you into trouble.
When Should I Talk to an Attorney?
You should be talking to a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are arrested. They are the only person you should be sharing information with. Your lawyer can speak for you and prevent you from incriminating yourself. They can also talk to the police and figure out what the next steps are.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are under any kind of investigation, you need to protect yourself. Call the Law Offices of Marc N. Needelman and schedule a consultation. We can tell you more about what we can do for you and how we can help you preserve your rights in the face of police overreach. Meet with our team today.
