If you are ever brought in by the police for questioning, it is in your best interest to maintain total silence. Yes, the interrogation process of these law enforcement agencies could be intimidating. Still, remaining silent is within your rights until you have an attorney. In this article, we’ll be giving you all the reasons why you should invoke your rights to an attorney before speaking to the police, according to an experienced Fort Lee lawyer.

1. The Police Are Out to Get You

Once you’re believed to be a prime suspect in a criminal case, the police start working round the clock to gather enough evidence that they need to convict you. People who have been detained will also be asked several questions that’ll trigger them to confess to committing the crime. Whether or not you’re guilty in both scenarios, you must exercise your Fifth Amendment Right.

The police will interrogate and get you to incriminate yourself. They are not speaking to you so that you can “tell them the truth” but to build a stronger case against you. As a matter of fact, they won’t believe you if you deny being involved in the case. So, talking to them has no benefits. 

If you haven’t been arrested yet, it’s because they don’t have enough evidence to. Talking to them could give them the evidence they need. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court, so sit quietly and request a lawyer.

2. You Are Easier to Exploit When You Speak

The police will always misconstrue your words to make them fit their narrative. To them, you’re already a criminal, and they’ll take whatever you’re saying as an attempt to save yourself and not the truth.

They also look out for inconsistencies in your statements that they could exploit. These inconsistencies can make you look guilty and give them some sort of informal admission they need as evidence to get you behind bars. 

3. Your Little White Lies and Assumptions Could Get You in Trouble

Sometimes, we just want to keep certain pieces of information to ourselves. It could dent some of our relationships, not because we’re guilty of the crime. 

We could lie about who we were with or where we were at a specific time. If the police ever find out about any of these, it raises their suspicion and makes it even more impossible to believe your statements. Now, you have more to deal with than you already did.

4. Law Enforcement Could Report What You Said Inaccurately

During hearings or trials, many police officers may not remember your statements verbatim. They testify as they remember it, which could land you in serious trouble. The inaccuracy in their statements could be the reason why you’re convicted regardless of your innocence.

It is always your word against theirs. And one thing for sure is that the jury will not believe a suspect’s words over a law representative’s.

How Your Right to an Attorney Could Save You

You should always speak to an attorney before speaking to the police. These experts know how to navigate the criminal justice system and understand the tactics law enforcement uses to pressure you.
You get to level the playing field with an attorney by your side. They help eliminate the chances of you being manipulated to make a false confession or have your words misconstrued. 

Conclusion

If you’re a suspect of a crime, nothing you say will save you from the police. So, avoid saying anything to them. Do not try to defend yourself, make any statements or comments, or give investigators your audience. Just exercise your Fifth Amendment Right and do as your lawyer says.