How Can I Protect My Rights During Police Interrogations?
Posted August 18th, 2023.
Categories: Blog.
Police interrogations can be scary experiences, and they can cause people to panic and make mistakes. The first thing that you have to remember is that you have rights when the cops are questioning you. Protecting those rights should be your first priority, and a New Jersey criminal defense attorney from our firm can help you do that.
What Happens If I Do Not Answer Questions During Police Interrogations?
When the cops ask you questions, you are not actually required to answer them. It can be uncomfortable to just sit there in silence as questions are volleyed at you during police interrogations, but that is what the cops are relying on. You should not answer anything they ask you though, at least not until you get a lawyer.
You are allowed to do this thanks to the fifth amendment. It protects you from self-incrimination. Instead of speaking, you should stay silent so that you do not say anything that the police can use against you. It is your right, so do not be quick to give it up.
Will Cooperating During Police Interrogations Help Me?
If you try to stay silent when you are questioned, the cops might finally try to appeal to you in a different way. “All you have to do is cooperate with us.”, they might say. They could promise reduced sentences or other benefits. You just need to answer their questions and admit to wrongdoing.
The problem here is that cops have no obligation to be honest during police interrogations. There is no guarantee that cooperating with them will help you out. If there is any kind of deal to be made, it is much wiser to stay silent and let a lawyer negotiate on your behalf.
Can I Ask for a Lawyer During an Interrogation?
Yes! Not only can you ask for a lawyer during an interrogation, it should be your first move. Once you ask for a lawyer, the police cannot continue to question you. They have to wait for your legal representation to get there.
Your defense attorney is the only person who you should be sharing any information with. They can help you figure out how to deal with the police and how you can avoid incriminating yourself. Your lawyer can speak on your behalf and prevent the police from tricking you into revealing anything that could be used against you. If you are charged with a crime, your attorney will help you form the best possible defensive strategy.
Call Our Law Firm Today
If you have already been questioned by police, we can still help. Contact the Law Offices of Mark S. Guralnick today and learn more about how a criminal defense attorney can assist you. We will do everything that we can to help you protect your constitutional rights.
