No one can remain completely cool and collected when the police are taking them into custody or interrogating them. It’s a stressful experience, and it can be easy to make mistakes when emotions are high. But being able to remember what to say – and what not to say – can be the difference between successfully defeating the charges against you and a conviction.
AVOIDING SELF-INCRIMINATION
When you speak to the police, they can use whatever you say to them against you in your criminal trial later. If you answer the police’s questions without a lawyer present to guide you, you could accidentally incriminate yourself and ruin your chances of being able to present a solid defense to the charges.
That’s why, from the moment you are taken into custody, it’s essential that you not answer any police questions without your attorney present. You can increase your chances of a successful defense dramatically by invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
INVOKING YOUR RIGHTS
The right to remain silent means more than just the ability to sit quietly and avoid answering police questions. If you successfully invoke this right, the police questioning must stop for a reasonable time. If you invoke your right to an attorney, the police cannot question you until your attorney is in the room with you.
To successfully invoke these rights, you must give a clear and unequivocal statement that you are doing so. Tell the police that you are invoking your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney, and then do not answer any further questions until your attorney arrives.
If you need competent, efficient and relentless representation for your upcoming criminal trial, do not hesitate to reach out to Law Offices Of Michael P. McGuire LLC by filling out our online contact form, or by calling 732-704-7331 today to schedule your free initial consultation.