Police interrogations can be scary experiences, but you have to remember that you have rights during these exchanges. You can take steps to protect yourself and make sure that your words are not used against you. One of the first steps you should take? Hiring a Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can answer your legal questions and give you advice on what to do next.
Do I Really Have the Right to Remain Silent During Police Interrogations?
Anyone who has watched a cop show or two has certainly heard the phrase “You have the right to remain silent.” before. Can you really just clam up during police interrogations though? Yes, you really can do that.
You have the right to remain silent because you have the right to avoid making any kind of statement that causes you to incriminate yourself. This includes statements that seem innocuous on their surface but can actually be used against you by cops if they are trying to connect you to a crime.
Here is an example. Let’s say that the cops ask where you are at a certain date and time. You have committed no crime, so you feel confident asking honestly. You tell them where you were, and it turns out that you were right near a crime scene that they investigated around the time that a crime occurred. Now you have just made them more suspicious and potentially have given them evidence against you, even though you were being honest and have done nothing wrong. This is why staying silent during police interrogations can be a wise move.
Do Cops Need to Tell the Truth During Police Interrogations?
Another issue with police interrogations is that the cops have no obligation to be honest with you. They can lie and say that they have evidence connecting you to a crime when they do not. They can tell you that someone else has already flipped on you and confessed to being your accomplice. You might also be told that, if you cooperate, the police will be able to help you and give you a less severe punishment. It is entirely possible that none of this is true, despite what the police say.
Do I Need a Lawyer When I Am Questioned By Police?
Staying silent is an option in police interrogations, but if you are ready to clear things up while making sure that you protect yourself, a defense attorney can help. An attorney from our firm can communicate on your behalf so that you do not have to worry about incriminating yourself. They can listen to the information that you share with them and help you figure out the next steps that you should take.
Consult With Our Legal Team
If you are being interrogated by the police, do not field their questions without the help of an attorney. Contact the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi and schedule a consultation with our team. We would love to tell you more about how we can be of assistance in this difficult time.