A police interrogation can be highly stressful for anyone even if they know they haven’t done anything wrong. Many people in this situation worry about if they seem suspicious to law enforcement officers. The good news is that dedicated criminal defense law firms like ours are committed to protecting innocent suspects from being manipulated by police officers. Continue reading this blog to learn about the importance of contacting a lawyer before you answer any questions from the police. For further information, you can reach out to a Bergen County, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer who can provide individualized legal counseling.
SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER BEFORE I TALK TO THE POLICE?
Yes, our law firm highly recommends contacting a lawyer if you need to speak to the police about a criminal case or ongoing investigation. Some people worry that having a lawyer with you in the interrogation room can make you seem suspicious, but really this shows that you know your rights. Unfortunately, there are instances where police officers pressure a suspect into a false confession to get the case solved as quickly as possible. Some people might not even know that police officers are legally allowed to lie to suspects during an interrogation. A seasoned lawyer will be aware of the various manipulation tactics that police officers use in questioning, and they can ensure the police don’t try to trick you. Overall, an attorney can help you protect your rights if the police suspect you of a crime.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID TELLING POLICE OFFICERS?
In general, you should avoid telling the police any sensitive information that could possibly incriminate you. Remember that anything that you say to law enforcement officers can be held against you later in a courtroom. Our firm recommends using your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent as much as you can because you don’t have to answer any questions that you don’t want to. If police officers are questioning you about a case, you might already be a suspect, so you should be careful about what you say. Some police officers might trick you into “making a deal”, but the police cannot guarantee you won’t get punished just because you gave them information. Speak with a lawyer to find out your best options.
Has a police officer recently asked to speak with you about an ongoing investigation? If so, you might be wondering whether you’ll need a criminal defense attorney to help you protect your rights. Look no further because our highly experienced legal team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact the Law Office of E. Gregory Cannarozzi today for an initial consultation.