Four Reasons Why You Not Speak To A Police Officer After An Arrest Without A Lawyer Present
Were you arrested in Central Florida? It is imperative that you take proactive measures to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. You should not agree to speak to law enforcement officers after an arrest unless you have an attorney by your side.
No matter how “friendly” an officer might seem, the simple reality is that they are not on your side after an arrest. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer highlights four important reasons why you should avoid speaking to the police after being arrested.
- You Have a Clear Constitutional Right to Remain Silent
First and foremost, you should understand that you are never required to speak to police officers after an arrest. You do not have to give a statement or answer their questions. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution unequivocally protects your right to remain silent. That you declined to give a statement to police cannot be used against you as evidence of your guilt in court. You can always refuse to answer questions with a defense lawyer present.
- You are Not Going to Talk Yourself Out of Trouble
Some people are tempted to talk to police because they believe that they can talk themselves out of an arrest—especially so if they are innocent of the offense. That is simply not the right approach. If you have been arrested, police officers have already made their decision. They believe that there is probable cause for your arrest. You are not going to talk yourself out of trouble at this point—but you may talk yourself into more serious problems.
- The Police are Trying to Find Evidence to Use Against You
Once an arrest has been made, it is the job of a law enforcement officer to gather what prosecutors can use to justify a criminal charge and obtain a conviction in a court of law. In other words, a police officer is a fundamentally biased party at this point in the process. It is their job to try to get you talking so that they can find out more information that can be used against you.
- Police Officers May Misinterpret or Twist Your Words
What you say to the police can be used against you in court. If you say anything that implies your guilt, the prosecution will not hesitate to use that statement in court. Here is the biggest challenge: The words that you say can easily be misinterpreted or even twisted by the police. If you have something that you want to share with law enforcement, it is imperative that you do so through an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An attorney will ensure that you are fully protected.
Contact Our Orlando, FL Criminal Defense Advocate for Immediate Help
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer is a passionate advocate for clients. No matter the specific situation you are facing, we are here to fight to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. Give us a phone call now or contact us online to schedule your strictly private initial case review. With a law office in Orlando, we serve communities throughout Central Florida, including St. Cloud, Windermere, Altamonte Springs, Winter Park, and Union Park.