Many people who are being questioned by police have a natural instinct to provide answers – but that can be a huge mistake, even if you’re completely innocent of any wrongdoing. You should never answer any questions without a Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer by your side.
5 Reasons You Should Never Talk to Police
There are five big reasons that you should stay quiet when you’re being questioned by police. Naturally, these don’t apply if you’ve witnessed a crime or if you’re making a police report; they only apply if you’ve been accused of a crime and police are interrogating you so that they can use your own words against you in court.
#1: Anything You Say Can (and Will) Be Used Against You
When the police read your Miranda rights, they’re clearly telling you that you have the absolute right to remain silent. You should definitely exercise that right and request that you be allowed to speak with your lawyer right away.
#2: You’re Helping Police, Not Yourself
Police are famous for telling people things like, “This will go a lot easier on you if you just tell the truth.” However, the truth is, it will go a lot easier for police – not necessarily for you. Even if you’re innocent, you’re not helping your case by answering police’s questions.
#3: Your Answers Can Be Misinterpreted
Police investigators are trained to fluster people. With twisting, turning lines of questioning and “gotcha” questions, the answers you give might not be the answers you mean to give. Worse, they can be realigned to make you look like you’re guilty.
#4: You Can’t Prove Your Innocence to Police
Generally, police need to nab someone for a crime. Even if you’re innocent, that’s not for police to decide. It’s their job to prove that you’re guilty, and every question that they ask you will lead to that conclusion.
#5: You Could Accidentally Lie to the Police
When you’re being interrogated, it’s a normal psychological reaction to defend yourself. However, interrogations are designed to get you to speak without thinking. If you tell one lie to a police officer, even accidentally, it ruins your credibility if you have to go to court.
The bottom line is that you should never talk to police without having your lawyer physically present. There are just too many things that can go wrong, and it never turns out as a win-win situation. If the police want to ask you questions, you have the right to remain silent… so use it.
