why do people always say get a lawyer before talking to police

What do police ask you to do?

Police may ask you to do things or provide documents, which you may have to do in some situations. For example, during a traffic stop, you must produce your insurance card on demand. You might have to do field sobriety tests for an officer.

Why is it important to have an experienced lawyer?

An experienced lawyer will help you make the most important decision during a police investigation.

Why do police not want to talk to you?

When police contact someone, they don’t really “just want to talk.” More likely it’s because they already have some evidence and want to validate their suspicions. Maybe they think you were a witness, but it could also mean that they believe you’re a suspect.

Do you have to speak to the police?

You Are Not Required to Speak with the Police. Criminal defense lawyers are usually hired after someone has been arrested and charged with a crime. But if you’ve been contacted by the police because they “just want to talk” hiring a lawyer may be one of the best decisions you can make. Criminal defense lawyers are usually hired after someone has ...

Do police have the authority to negotiate penalties?

But police do not have the authority to negotiate the penalties for a crime - only a prosecutor can do that. Many people go to the police station because they want to provide their side of the events. But the police station is not the place to do this.

Why do people go to the police station?

Many people go to the police station because they want to provide their side of the events. But the police station is not the place to do this. The police officer’s job is to gather evidence to help them make an arrest. Police officers can and will say anything - including lying - to get you to admit to something.

What is the job of a police officer?

The police officer’s job is to gather evidence to help them make an arrest. Police officers can and will say anything - including lying - to get you to admit to something. There is no law saying that they cannot lie to get you to admit to something. So they do.

What to do if you are contacted by the police?

If you were contacted by the police, get an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side before you speak to the police. Christina L. Williams and her team of criminal defense professionals are here to help.

What happens if you have probable cause to believe you committed a crime?

If the police think they have probable cause to believe you committed a crime, they’re going to arrest you whether you have a lawyer with you or not. Having a lawyer with you when you meet with the police doesn’t make you look guilty - it makes you look smart and careful.