Criminal charges can damage your reputation and leave you feeling fearful about your future. A conviction on those charges can result in devastating consequences, including jail or prison time and ripple effects that touch your ability to secure and maintain housing and employment. With so much on the line, you owe it to yourself to protect your interests as fully as possible. This includes knowing how to interact with the police.
Should you cooperate with law enforcement?
In some instances, such as when you’re asked to put your hands above your head or step out of your vehicle, you should comply with law enforcement’s requests. However, when you’re being asked questions pertaining to a criminal offense, you may want to think twice before talking. Here’s why:
- The police may misconstrue or otherwise misinterpret your words in a way that leave you looking suspicious.
- Despite what investigators say, they’re not in a position to “take it easy” on you by offering you a plea deal or some other arrangement that is directed by the prosecutor.
- The police may lie to you to try to get you to talk, whether out of fear or a sense of cooperation.
- Law enforcement officers might try to act friendly towards you to get you comfortable talking to them, which may be a way for them to try to sidestep your rights.
Begin your criminal defense now
Remember that a lot of people who end up facing criminal charges get into trouble because they decide to talk to the police in an attempt to explain their way out of the situation. So, make sure you’re thinking twice and consulting with our attorney before engaging with law enforcement. After all, it’s at this point that your criminal defense begins.