5 Reasons to Never Speak to Police Without a Lawyer

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

When you’re interrogated or arrested by the US police, you may need to communicate and tell them you’re not guilty.

Alternatively, you might be a victim who wants to report a crime. In any case, talking to police without a lawyer is the biggest mistake you’ll ever make. 

According to the Bergen County personal injury lawyers and many other reputable experts, talking to the police can become a foundation of evidence against you. Whether you’re the victim, guilty, or innocent, the US police will treat you as a suspect. 

But why would the police do that? If this question is bothering you, keep reading to learn 5 compelling reasons to talk to the police only with a lawyer.

Police Already Suspect You

The police come to your house for interrogation, stop you in the street for crime-related questions, or interview you under custody. In any situation where the police approach you, this means they already consider you a suspect or a potential suspect. Telling them you’re not guilty or telling them about the incident will not help. Any answer to the question will only deepen their suspicions. 

Police Need Evidence

Although the police claim to gather information through your answers, this is not true. They are here to collect evidence against you (the suspect) and potential other suspects on their list. So, don’t rely on the thought that you’re helping them resolve a case. 

Similarly, if you’re the victim, reporting the case directly to the police officer can jeopardize your status, too. You might be the victim, but the police will constantly analyze you for any other crimes you might be involved in. This often ends up in both the victim and the guilty going to prison. 

Police Can Lie to You

Have you ever seen those blockbuster crime and thriller movies? If yes, you must have noticed the police saying:

  • We already have a witness who testifies to your involvement.
  • We found evidence of X and Y. 
  • We just want to know what happened that day. 
  • This is safe, you can trust us. 
  • Okay, let’s lock you in the prison. 

They might also give you a cup of tea and comfort you to calm down. Whatever they say, it’s best not to believe in them because the US gives the police the right to lie. They can say anything and use any communication tactics to make you talk. By doing so, you give them information that they can distort and use against you. They can also collect DNA and fingerprints by pretending to be kind and empathetic, like offering you tea.

Police Won’t Let You Go

The US police officers and sheriffs don’t have the authority to finalize the case. If you’re under interrogation or arrest, they can’t let you go. This decision remains with the district attorney.

So, even though the police will attempt to make a deal and let you go after a few questions, that’s not true. They will only take the information, and the DA will still make the decision. Since the police are not here to prove you innocent, the information may be wrongly transferred to the DA, making things even more complicated. It’s best to stay silent and let a lawyer negotiate with the DA. 

Police Can’t Misuse Your Rights

Lastly, but most importantly, all US citizens have the right to:

  • Remain silent 
  • Have an attorney present during police interrogation.

These rights protect you from unfair charges and offenses. The police can’t stop you from exercising these rights or use them against you to prove you’re guilty. So, the single best way to deal with the police is to remain silent and use your right to a lawyer. 

Since the lawyer has expert knowledge about the justice system, you have a better chance of getting out of the situation or reporting a crime properly. 

Author
Sofia Ayaz
Sofia Ayaz
Sofia Ayaz is a successful entrepreneur, founder of 99Consumer, and a contributor on Newsbreak. She specializes in consumer-focused innovations and has led her company from its inception to a successful acquisition.