Anything You say Will Be Used Against You in a Court of Law: When Does the Criminal Investigation Against You Really Start?
By: Brenda G. Aguirre, Esq.
You see it on TV often on shows like COPS or The First 48. People talking to police officers attempting to clear their names. What really ends up happening is that the person is providing the police officer or detective with information that will be used against them.
When a police officer or detective makes contact with you the investigation against you has already started. Talking to them will not help you. The detective might say they want to help you: they are there to investigate a crime and most importantly they are there to investigate you.
The following are some tips to keep in mind when you have an encounter with law enforcement:
1. You must give law enforcement your full name. Do not give a false name. That is a crime.
2. If you are driving, you must provide a driver’s license.
3. Their questions are not random. They are there to investigate a possible crime, and if they are talking to you, they are investigating you.
4. Ask if you are being investigated. If the answer is no, then ask if you are free to leave.
5. Ask to speak to an attorney before making any statements that will incriminate you.
6. Beware of the good cop/bad cop routine. Often times law enforcement will use this tactic to trick people into talking.
7. STOP talking and reach out to a Phoenix criminal defense attorney.
Use these tips and call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. That call can very well save you years of undue agony. If you have questions, call (602) 905-9299 and one of our experienced attorney’s will provide you a free initial case evaluation!
