When you’re under criminal investigation, you might be tempted to reach out to the police to discuss the situation, figure out what they have on you and attempt to dispel your fears by providing information that casts off suspicions. Although that might feel like a good plan, it’s one that puts you at risk of giving investigators and prosecutors the evidence they need to charge and convict you.
Talking to the police is dangerous when it comes to your criminal defense. Here’s why:
- The police can lie to you about certain aspects of the case, including evidence that they have against you, to get you talking.
- The police might intentionally or unintentionally misconstrue what you say, leading them to use those statements against you.
- Investigators might use intimidation tactics to force you to share information with them that helps them build their case against you.
- The police can’t promise you any sort of leniency or any particular outcome in your case, as the prosecutor is the only one who is authorized to negotiate and finalize a plea deal.
- You have the right to remain silent, and your refusal to talk to the police can’t be used against you as an indication of guilt.
With so much that can go wrong during a police interview, you should avoid talking to the police until advised otherwise by your attorney.
Your criminal defense starts now
You might think that you don’t need to worry about a criminal defense until you’re charged with a crime, but that’s a common mistake. If you know that you’re under investigation, then now is the time to start developing your criminal defense strategy. So, don’t hesitate to learn what’s necessary to build the aggressive defense you need.
