The first thing you need to know is that you do not have to answer questions from law enforcement. You should always say no if the police want to talk to you. Even if you think that you are able to answer questions, this is a mistake. It is not advisable that you answer any questions or participate in any discussion about your case unless you have your lawyer with you. The main reason for this is that without knowing it, you can incriminate yourself with something that you say. Law enforcement has been seen to use things that you say against you in your case. The main reasons that you should not talk to the police are:
- It will not help your case
- Anything you say can be used against you in court
- The police cannot grant you leniency for talking to them
- This gives them an idea of what you may say at trial and they can build their case against you accordingly
- You may incriminate yourself for a crime that you did not know you committed
- There is no such thing as 'off record' with a police officer
You have the right to remain silent if the police ask to talk to you. The only thing that the police have the right to ask you if you are under arrest are things like your name, address, birth date, your driver's license and a few other facts about yourself. When it comes to your specific case, do not answer any questions until you have a lawyer present. If you need legal representation in any type of criminal case, contact me to make sure your rights are protected. Call Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law today for the protection and representation that you need.