One of the most common questions we get from people when they first come into our office, whether they have been charged with possession of controlled substance, a DUI, or something else, is whether or not they should talk to the police. The answer, almost resoundingly, is no. Whether you were arrested or voluntarily went to the police station, you do not want to give a statement. Instead, you should politely announce that you would like to speak to your attorney.
When the police ask you to come down to the station to give a statement, it is likely that they do not have enough evidence to charge you with a crime. They are hopeful that while you talk to them, you will say something or confess to something so that they can arrest you. Whether or not you are innocent, you will not benefit from trying to explain your actions to a police officer. They are highly trained in reading between the lines and using psychology to get you to tell them what they want to hear.
Should You Strike A Deal With Police During An Investigation?
This is another no. Sometimes, police officers will tell you that they will “put a good word in” if you just talk to them - this is one of the oldest tactics in the book. Never talk to the police unless you’ve spoken with your attorney.
Remember that police officers are allowed to lie to get you to confess, and they use this freedom liberally. They can tell you anything: from someone else already told them the truth, to the fact that they cannot work with you if you have a lawyer present - these could all be lies designed to trip you up.
Should I Identify Myself To An Officer Who Requests It?
If you are pulled over in a traffic stop, you are legally required to show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. On foot, you only have to give your information if you are detained. If you are unsure, ask if you are free to leave. If you are, then you can walk away without giving identification. If you are not, you should give your identification. As always, move slowly and remain calm while talking to the police.
The one thing you should not do is lie to the police. Do not give a fake name, birthdate, or social security number. Falsifying any of this information can get you into even more trouble.
Can The Police Search Me or My Possession?
If the police ask for consent to search you, your car, or your house, do not give them that consent. If you do not give them permission but they continue to do so anyway, DO NOT try to resist arrest or get into an altercation. This can be used against them later in court.
However, the best case scenario is that you do not consent even if they threaten to get a warrant. Sometimes, police feel like they can bully their way into the situation. No matter what they say, stand firm. The only way they can get into your home is to actually get a search warrant, which may be harder to acquire than they lead you to believe.
If a search was done and you didn’t consent to it, immediately contact a lawyer.
If You Need a Drug Lawyer - Contact Us Today
If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is important that you get an experienced, effective lawyer to help you get a fair outcome. Not only can a lawyer help you to understand what charges you are facing, we can help you to find defenses that might be able to keep you out of jail or limit your prison time.
Contact us today to get a review of your case to see what your next steps should be - the sooner you can contact us, the better your chances of success will be.
