4 Reasons to Never Speak to Police without a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are under investigation or have been arrested, it’s important to know that the police are not always there to help. Even if you're innocent, it can be dangerous to talk to the police without consulting your attorney. There are several disadvantages to speaking to a police officer without consulting your criminal defense attorney.

• Speaking to the Police Rarely Helps: If the police are determined to arrest you or charge you with a crime, nothing you say to them will convince them otherwise. No matter how convincing you may sound, you will not persuade them not to arrest you.

It is essential to note that the police have no authority to decide on the settlement of any criminal case. Once you are apprehended, everything else is handled by the district attorney.

A criminal defense lawyer understands the dynamics of the justice system and is aware of how plea agreements work. Even if you want to talk to the police, you should still consider talking to a lawyer before you do. 

Your statements to the police may not prove your innocence but can be used against you later.

• Anything You Say Can Be Used to Convict You: Before you are arrested, the police must give Miranda warnings. These warnings notify you that anything you say could be used against you in a court of law. In addition, the police may trick you into providing damaging information.

The only information you should provide to the police officer is your name and a copy of your driver's license, where necessary. For instance, If it is a traffic stop, you should not provide additional information about your past, current, or future travels.

• The Police Can Trick You: When you are brought in for questioning, you will be expected to provide truthful information. Most people may assume that the police are also required to tell the truth. However, the police can lie or trick you during the interrogation.

For instance, a police officer can pressure you into confessing to a crime by lying to you that they have evidence. They can frequently tell you a lie to trick you into talking without consulting your criminal defense lawyer.

• You Can be Easily Accused of Lying: Anything you say to the police during the interrogations will be thoroughly scrutinized. This implies that a minor mistake can be magnified to show that you were lying. It is common for the police to get a statement, take it out of context and accuse the suspect of lying.

Contact an Experienced San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested, charged with a crime, or are under investigation, don't hesitate to contact a San Diego criminal defense attorney before you talk to the police. The Criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Elliott Kanter are ready to help you defend your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.