Why You Need An Attorney When Speaking To The Police
You hear a knock at your door…but you weren’t expecting company. Peering through the peephole, you see police officers outside.
After opening the door, the police officers ask you to come down to the station and answer some questions. This feels confusing, the officers won’t tell you about the matter they need to discuss, and you haven’t committed any crime.
You may be involved in a simple mishap, or a serious investigation, but regardless of your innocence, you need a lawyer. Law enforcement officers are trained to make people talk, but a lawyer knows all the tricks. They will advise their clients on when to talk and what to say when making a statement to the police, while making sure that their client doesn’t incriminate themselves.
Contact An Attorney Before Giving A Statement To The Police
First and foremost, the police are working towards solving a case. They have a duty to protect victims and find perpetrators. Without an attorney present, some police officers can ask suspects leading questions, and will use an individual’s answers against them in the court of law.
On the other hand, lawyers and attorneys can easily recognize leading questions. They can advise their client on how to answer these inquiries, or recommend not to answer at all. By having an attorney present, you can avoid answering incriminating questions and getting in deeper legal trouble.
If you find yourself being interrogated by the police, immediately ask to speak with a lawyer and remain silent. Once you’ve stated you want to talk with an attorney, police officers cannot ask any further questions until your lawyer is present.
Making A Murderer: A Real Life Case Example
Many people feel that they don’t need an attorney if they are innocent — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Innocent or guilty, everyone should request an attorney during a police interrogation to protect their rights and avoid making incriminating statements.
For example, let’s take a look at the highly publicized case regarding the murder of Teresa Halbach in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin.
If you have watched the Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer” you might be familiar with the investigation of the murder of Teresa Halbach. Brendan Dassey, a teenage boy, was interrogated heavily by police about Halbach’s murder without a lawyer present. Eventually, the police received a confession from the young man — but Dassey would later recant that confession in front of the judge.
Despite his recant and the use of questionable police interrogation tactics, Dassey received a guilty verdict. Regardless of how you may feel about the sentencing, one thing is certain: Dassey needed a lawyer present during his interrogation. It’s much harder to overturn a conviction if a suspect has confessed to a crime, even if the confession was obtained using leading questions and other law enforcement interrogation strategies.
How To Contact Hickey & Hull For Legal Representation
Are you looking for legal representation before making a statement at your local Arkansas police office? The law offices of Hickey & Hull can help you.
Our experienced law team is dedicated to delivering the best services to our clients. We are committed to providing quality legal advice and working with our clients to receive a favorable outcome in court.
Currently we have five attorneys at law and two paralegals spread across five different Arkansas offices in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Little Rock, Mena, and Russellville. Contact us today and discuss your case with one of our professionals!