Is It A Good Idea To Talk To The Police?
Criminal defendants have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer police questions. But before you are arrested and charged with a crime, it might not be clear whether you should remain silent or talk to the police. So, is it a good idea to talk to the police? It is not in your best interest to speak to the police when you are the subject of an investigation unless you have a criminal defense attorney by your side. Even if you have not done anything wrong, it is often best to remain silent.
What Are the Risks of Talking to the Police?
There are several dangers of talking to the police. The following are some of the risks of talking to the police;
- The Police Can Misunderstand You
Because the police are only human, they can misunderstand your statements or take something you say out of context. If this happens, your words can be used to charge and convict you. Sometimes, a police officer might even forget your answer and claim you said something you did not.
2. A Minor Mistake Can Be Taken as a Lie and Used Against You
To the police, there is no such thing as a minor mistake. The police scrutinize everything criminal defendants say, and even the slightest mistake could be used to show that you were lying. Any discrepancy can be used to cast doubt on your credibility.
3. You May Raise Suspicion
The police will use techniques to try and get you to admit certain things. And even if you did not do anything wrong, some things you tell the police can make them suspicious.
The Police May Make False Promises and Can Lie to You
Through the investigation process, a police officer could promise you a particular outcome. For example, the officer could tell you that you will be eligible for a reduced sentence if you share some information. Indeed, getting a reduced sentence after being charged is possible, but a police officer cannot guarantee such an outcome. Your sentence, if any, will be determined through the prosecution process.
Besides false promises, the police are also allowed to lie to you to get you to implicate yourself. For instance, the police might tell you that your DNA was found at the crime scene and ask you for an explanation. The right against self-incrimination is part of your right to remain silent. Self-incrimination is when you say something that could suggest your involvement in a crime.
If you are contacted by a criminal investigator, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help you determine what information you should share with the police and which you should avoid sharing. They can also help you protect your rights.
Speak With an Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are under investigation by law enforcement, it is usually best to avoid talking to the police until you have contacted an attorney. Without an attorney by your side, you risk making the situation worse if you speak to the police.
Speak with a qualified Indianapolis criminal defense attorney today if you’ve been arrested. We can help you communicate with the police and prevent charges from being filed against you. And if charges are filed, we can help defend you.
Sources:
mirandarights.org/
law.cornell.edu/wex/self-incrimination
