what to say when questioned by police before consulting a lawyer

by Ryder Adams 7 min read

As a general rule, if you have been detained, you must truthfully identify yourself, and beyond that, the only appropriate answer to a police question is: “I want my lawyer.” If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, state this out loud to the officer and then—remain silent!

As a general rule, if you have been detained, you must truthfully identify yourself, and beyond that, the only appropriate answer to a police question is: “I want my lawyer.” If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent
right to remain silent
The right to silence is a legal principle which guarantees any individual the right to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement officers or court officials. It is a legal right recognized, explicitly or by convention, in many of the world's legal systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Right_to_silence
, state this out loud to the officer and then—remain silent!
Jul 28, 2020

Full Answer

What should I do if a police officer keeps asking questions?

You have the constitutional right to talk to a lawyer before answering questions, whether or not the police tell you about that right. The lawyer’s job is to protect your rights. Once you say that you want to talk to a lawyer, officers should stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent.

What are my rights if I am questioned during an investigation?

Nov 13, 2018 · Stay relaxed and speak in a measured tone, and don’t use profanities. Remember, the police are legally allowed to lie, to trick you and to record whatever you say. Give law enforcement your “pedigree” information such as name, address and Social Security Number. If you refuse they will hold you in custody longer.

What should I do if I get stopped by the police?

Apr 21, 2020 · You must invoke these rights unequivocally and clearly – saying “I think I should get an attorney” or “maybe I should speak with a lawyer” is not enough. You must tell police officers that “you do not want to speak with them” and that “you want an attorney.”.

Do you have to talk to a lawyer before answering questions?

What must you say before the presence of a lawyer?

Here's what the Miranda warnings generally say: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present now and during any future questioning.Feb 8, 2019

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What to do when a detective wants to question you?

What Should I Say If a Detective Calls to Ask Me Questions?Tell the officer you respect him and the tough job he does every day;Tell the officer you have spoken to an attorney and wish to follow the attorney's advice to remain silent. You can then give the officer the name of your attorney.

When a suspect asks for an attorney during custodial interrogation?

When a suspect asks for an attorney during custodial interrogation: a. police can continue questioning while an attorney is summoned.

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•Jan 29, 2017

How do you start a conversation with a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•Aug 4, 2015

Can you refuse to go in for questioning?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

Why do the police want to talk to me?

The police already believe that you are guilty - that's why they want to talk to you. They believe you've committed a crime, and they want to get you to state that. People believe that if they tell their side of the story it will be over - The police are not going to believe you, and talking will not end things.Jun 20, 2020

Do I have to talk to the police if they call me?

Remember, you are never obligated to talk to the police. But they may keep calling if they want to question you, for whatever reason. They can come to your home, or your work and the continuous requests and contacts they make can be quite threatening and intimidating.Jul 21, 2014

What is the Sixth Amendment right to counsel?

The right to counsel refers to the right of a criminal defendant to have a lawyer assist in his defense, even if he cannot afford to pay for an attorney. The Sixth Amendment gives defendants the right to counsel in federal prosecutions.

When a suspect has been taken into custody and has requested an attorney all questioning must cease until?

The U.S. Supreme Court considered facts much like these in a case called Davis v. U.S. (512 U.S. 453 (1994).) The Court noted that if a suspect invokes the right to counsel at any time, the police must at once stop the questioning until a lawyer is present.

What does invoking Miranda rights mean?

How Do You Invoke or Waive Your Miranda Rights? To invoke your Miranda rights (even the right to remain silent), you must say something to police that indicates you are choosing to remain silent and want the interrogation to end or that you want an attorney.

Why do police want to talk to you?

They want to talk to you because they have some evidence that you committed a crime. It could be a statement from someone who believes they saw you commit a crime. Or it could be a statement by one witness who lied to the police to get you in trouble.

Why don't you talk to the police?

Do not talk to the police. 2. Because they think that if they ask for a lawyer, the police will think they are guilty. This is not true. It is ALWAYS smart to ask for a lawyer. 3. Because they want to tell their story. Don’t tell your story to the police. After you speak to your lawyer, you can talk about how to tell your story.

What is the UCMJ?

You have these rights under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). While the UCMJ applies to military members, civilians also have similar rights under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. [See footnote] Before we go over the 5 reasons, let’s go over some basic things.

Who is Ferah Ozbek?

Ferah Ozbek is a retired from the United States Air Force where she served as an active duty judge advocate for over 20 years . She continues to practice military law and represents military members and veterans who are facing injustice.

What is the job of a lawyer?

The lawyer’s job is to protect your rights. Once you say that you want to talk to a lawyer, officers should stop asking you questions. If they continue to ask questions, you still have the right to remain silent. If you do not have a lawyer, you may still tell the officer you want to speak to one before answering questions.

What is a grand jury subpoena?

A grand jury subpoena is a written order for you to go to court and testify about information you may have. If a law enforcement officer threatens to get a subpoena, you still do not have to answer the officer’s questions right then and there, and anything you do say can be used against you. The officer may or may not succeed in getting ...

Do you have to give your name to police?

Yes, there are two limited exceptions. First, in some states, you must provide your name to law enforcement officers if you are stopped and told to identify yourself. But even if you give your name, you are not required to answer other questions.

What Information Are You Required to Give to the Police?

You can be required to give basic information about yourself such as name, address and phone number.

What Can You Refuse to Answer?

The 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution allows you to refuse to answer most questions from police. In most cases you cannot be arrested for refusing to answer questions.

What Should You Say if You Are Arrested?

Once you are placed under arrest, do not make any statements except to request an attorney!

Why Do You Need to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The bottom line is you must never give any unrequired information to police without consulting an attorney first.

Understanding Your Constitutional Right Not to Speak with Police Officers without a Lawyer

Most Wisconsin residents are taught to trust and aid police officers from a young age. Speaking with police officers as a witness, however, is different than speaking with them as a suspect. Investigators don’t want suspects to believe they’re under investigation, so they often approach suspects under the guise of a general “fact-finding” inquiry.

Common Tactics Police Use to Trick Suspects

Police officers are trained in various methods of conducting interrogations. The Reid Technique is a common way of questioning whereby officers put suspects at ease, pretend they understand the suspect’s motivation for the crime, and eventually try to coerce a confession.

Consulting with an Appleton Criminal Defense Lawyer Before Police Questioning Can Help

Experienced Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers are familiar with and trained to recognize common police interview tactics. Defense attorneys will often suggest you do not speak with the police unless doing so will absolve you of a crime or you’re offered immunity in exchange for testimony.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Criminal Defense Attorney in Appleton

Even if you were tricked into speaking with Wisconsin police officers, an experienced criminal defense lawyer may move to have any incriminating testimony removed from consideration due to constitutional violations. Don’t delay or push aside the rights generations have fought for.