Police interrogations are meant to be stressful experiences. You are supposed to feel like it can all be over if you just cooperate and give the cops what they want. You should not do this though. You need to protect your rights when the cops question you, and you should seriously consider hiring a York County, PA criminal defense attorney from our firm who can help you do that.
Should You Answer Questions During Police Interrogations?
No, you should not be answering the questions asked during police interrogations. If you have been brought in on suspicion of committing a crime, they are looking for absolutely anything that they can use against you. You may think that you answered their questions truthfully and that all of your answers were completely innocuous, but they can turn around and use what you said as evidence against you.
Instead, you should invoke your right to remain silent. This is not just something that you can see on a Law & Order episode. This is your actual constitutional right. You can stay silent and prevent yourself from saying anything that can be used against you.
Do Police Have to Tell the Truth During Interrogations?
Cops have no obligation to be honest when they are dealing with you. This is another thing that people need to be aware of during police interrogations. This means that they can say things that are blatantly untruthful in an effort to get you to speak and offer up information that they can use. They may also lie about other things. They could tell you that:
- They already have proof that you did something
- They know you were at the crime scene and have proof of that
- Eyewitnesses have identified you
- If you cooperate you will get a lesser sentence
Now, sometimes these kinds of statements can be true. The cops do not need to always tell the truth though. A completely fabricated statement or a promise of leniency could just be made in order to trip you up.
When Should I Call an Attorney?
This is why you should not engage the cops on your own. During any police interrogation, your first step should be asking for a lawyer. This means that the cops cannot continue to question you. They need to wait for your legal representation.
An experienced defense attorney can communicate on your behalf, preventing you from making mistakes or incriminating yourself. They can also look at the case against you and advise you on the best course of action.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
If the police are singling you out for interrogation, you need to think about how you can best protect yourself. Contact Ikhanoff & Silverstein today and schedule your consultation. We can take a look at your situation and help you work out the best path forward.
