There are various methods a police officer may use to question you if you are a suspect in a crime. It’s critical to comprehend how people are questioned even if they have no reason to suspect you of a crime and are merely gathering information.
It is even more crucial to speak with a criminal defense lawyer before speaking with the police. You can reach Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
A Voluntary questioning
You are free to leave this interaction at any time if you’d like. For a consensual contact, the police do not require a warrant, reasonable suspicion, or any other kind of proof. The situation is no longer consensual if they give you any indication that you are not free to depart.
Temporarily detaining you
The police have the right to temporarily detain you and question you if they have “reasonable suspicion” to believe you were involved in a crime. It should be noted that even extremely common behaviors and activities can be cause for suspicion. Although courts frequently side with the police, there are provisions that prevent you from being imprisoned, even for a short time, based solely on a suspicion the police may have.
Following an arrest
The police officer may make an arrest of you if there is probable cause. This goes much beyond ordinary inquiry. But keep in mind that you are not obligated to speak to the police just because you are in custody. Contrary to popular belief, you have the legal right to speak only when necessary and to ask for a criminal defense lawyer.
Even if you have not committed a crime, you should not speak to the police without an attorney present
Assuming that speaking with the police is okay if you have not committed a crime is one of the worst misconceptions you can make. Some individuals believe that if you don’t talk to the police, they might assume you’re guilty. Keep in mind that what they believe is essentially irrelevant; what matters is what they can show. Even when expressing what you believe to be benign remarks, you could nonetheless provide them with proof.
Call right away to speak with a criminal defense lawyer for free
It is advisable to speak with a criminal defense attorney to establish your best course of action if you have been charged with a crime, believe you are a suspect, or the police want to question you for any other reason. Call 714-760-4088 to speak with a lawyer at Chambers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation.
