Interacting With Law Enforcement 101
It can often be an uncomfortable and intimidating experience when you interact with members of the criminal justice system, especially police officers and prosecutors. When you become their focus, you have a lot of problems and not many solutions. These situations are stressful and move much faster than you’re prepared for, but you need to hold onto the understanding of your rights.
At Bob Zoss Law Office, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated and experienced in all aspects of criminal law. People forget about their many rights when confronted with the attention of the Evansville Police Department, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office or any law enforcement. We’re dedicated to protecting those rights vigorously and without delay. Still, everyone must know some basic ground rules for making it through interactions with police.
What To Say When Questioned By Law Enforcement
If you are a subject of any interest in a police investigation, there isn’t much you can say that will end interest. In fact, the more you say the more interested they become in talking to you. And, even if the things you say have no bearing – in your mind, that is – on any criminal action, that is not how the police see things.
Police and prosecutors prioritize finding criminals. That is their job, and they use all of the statements they take to find those criminals. So, it stands to reason that if you do not want to be the subject of their attention, saying as little as possible will help.
In all cases of interacting with police, it is always in your best interests to remain silent and not answer any questions without an attorney. You should be polite, absolutely. You should follow any direct orders they give you, such as “Open your window” and “please come with us.” However, you should not answer any questions, and simply say, “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent.” You have to say it for it to work.
When To Invoke Your Right To An Attorney
If you’re a police interrogation subject, you should always ask for your attorney as soon as possible. The right to remain silent and the right to an attorney are your two most important rights, and they help preserve the rest of them.
When you ask for your attorney – when you ask for us to represent you – we take point on the interrogation. There may be a time when you must provide the police with an answer, but we will closely review your situation and keep a close eye on when and how that should happen.
We Will Defend Your Rights
Standing between you and criminal charges is what your attorney is here for. They should always have your protection as their highest priority. We will always be there to present a strong front against the charges you face. Call 812-471-8502 or send an email using this form.