Do you know what to do when you are questioned by the police regarding a crime? Do you know what to do if you are arrested for a crime? Most people make the biggest mistake for their case during the first interview or questioning by the police. What is this mistake? They do not keep their mouth shut. Surprising, huh?
A police officer is a figure of authority and can intimidate most people into answering their questions during an interview either before or after making an arrest for a crime. Because of the authority figure, people feel obligated to answer the questions of the police officer. If they decline, the officer uses the old standby "if you're not guilty, what do you have to hide by talking with me?" Believe it or not, this phrase starts the person talking.
What is wrong with answering the police officer's questions? Plenty, especially if you have played a part in a crime. If you are questioned by an officer you have the right to have your lawyer present. You should have your lawyer present during any questioning. If your lawyer is present he or she can control the way the interview is conducted - no excessive badgering, coercion or forcing a confession, extraordinary length of time for the questioning. Your lawyer can also decide which questions are safe for you to respond to and which may possibly hurt the defense of your case. Your lawyer may also be able to help you in the way you answer a question. Without an attorney present, people are more inclined to admit to something even if they did not do it just to stop the questioning by the officer or they believe they will be allowed to leave if they tell the officer what he/she wants to hear. Big mistake. It is difficult to undo what has been admitted to.
The bottom line is - if the police want to question you or if you are arrested and starting to be questioned or interviewed by the police, assert your right to have your lawyer present. Your lawyer may be good but even he/she cannot perform magic over most admissions to a crime that occur in an interview.
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