Should You Contact a Lawyer if Police Want to Question You?
It is natural to be caught completely off guard if a police officer or detective contacts you and says they want to ask you some questions. Law enforcement officers often do this and when they do, they try to make it seem harmless. They may reinforce the idea that idea by telling you that you are not under arrest, and they may say they simply want to hear your side of the story.
If this has happened to you, it is important to know that a seemingly innocent interaction may turn serious very quickly. Before you say anything to law enforcement, it is critical that you understand your rights and that you contact an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer.
Why is Law Enforcement Contacting You?
Law enforcement officers do not randomly contact people for questioning. If they have called you or showed up at your home, it typically means one of two things. They either believe that you have information about a case they are investigating, or that they consider you a potential suspect in a case they are investigating.
In most cases, law enforcement will not tell you why they want to question you. Instead, they are intentionally vague in the hopes that it will get you to speak to them. This is why even a seemingly innocent conversation has the potential for risk.
Always Ask for an Attorney
You may want to cooperate and answer an officer’s questions to help clear things up. However, this is usually a mistake. You may provide information that conflicts with evidence law enforcement have already obtained, which can place you under suspicion. Or an officer may take your words out of context or interpret them in a way you did not intend. Lastly, anything you say can be held against you at a trial,
If you are in police custody and being questioned by the police, you must be read your Miranda Warnings. Under the Miranda warning, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to speak to law enforcement officers, investigators, or detectives, and you do not have to answer any of their questions. Whether you waive your right to remain silent, or voluntarily cooperate in an interview anything you say can be used against you at a trial.
If you are speaking with police, and they read you your Miranda Rigneys, make no mistake, you are a suspect. You have the right to ask for an attorney, and you should. This is a very important right to exercise. A lawyer can advise on whether it is in your best interest to cooperate with the police and ensure your rights are protected. Always politely refuse to answer law enforcement’s questions and ask to contact your attorney.
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis Can Protect Your Rights
Being questioned by authorities can be very intimidating, but you do not have to go through it alone. At Rigney Law, LLC, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers can provide the legal representation you need and ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 317-623-0989 or fill out our online form to request a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/miranda_warning