Never Talk to the Police Without a Defense Lawyer
If the police are investigating a crime and they want to talk with you about it, you should be thoroughly respectful to them, but you should make it clear that you have no intention of speaking with them without your criminal defense lawyer. As soon as you get the chance after that encounter you should give us a call here at Kurtz & Blum, PLLC.
What You Say to Police Can Be Used Against You
Over and over again, you can hear cops on TV telling people that anything they say can and will be used against them in a court of law. This is absolutely accurate. Take heed of this advice and keep quiet.
Keep in mind, this simple advice may seem easy in theory but it may not prove so easy in practice. Police are schooled in interrogation techniques. Some cops are artists at figuring out ways to get suspects to make statements that they consider to be confessions.
Police Will Try to Trick You Into Talking
For decades, my partner and I have watched interrogation videos in awe. Even extremely intelligent people make the mistake of talking with the police.
Believe it or not, even some of the best criminal defense attorneys have made the mistake of talking to the police, figuring that if they could just explain their side of things, the officer would let them go.
No matter how nice that a police officer may seem, you must assume that they are trying to get information with which they can convict you. Do not fall for the nice guy routine. Remember, the courts have repeatedly held that the police have the right to lie. The only thing you need to say is that you want your lawyer.
Police May Try to Bully You Into Talking
Not all police interrogations are friendly question and answer sessions. Some can be downright hostile. But one thing remains the same. There is not one single thing that you need to discuss about your case with the police or anyone else, for that matter, with the exception of your lawyer.
Even if you find yourself in a raw interrogation that feels like you have no choice but to answer the officer’s questions, you should still politely decline and say in no equivocal terms, “I want my lawyer.” Then call us at Kurtz & Blum, PLLC at (919) 832-7700.
Kurtz & Blum is In Your Corner
For further information, please check out our video on what to do if the police are investigating you. If a federal law enforcement agency is investigating you you should take a look at our Federal Criminal Defense page.
Our Raleigh criminal defense lawyers help people throughout Wake County, North Carolina. We frequently handle offenses arising out of the following cities: Rolesville, Zebulon, Holly Springs, Apex, Garner, Morrisville, Wendell, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, New Hope, Wake Forest, Knightdale and Raleigh.
