Should You Cooperate with Police?

Should You Cooperate with Police?

Being arrested is scary and confusing. If you believe or know you are innocent of the crime, you may want to explain your side of things. Unfortunately, this can backfire and do more harm than good.

When police officers arrest you, you may want to “fight back” and be uncooperative. However, this is not a smart move. In fact, it is best to limit any conversation with law enforcement officers unless you have an attorney present. If you answer all the questions a police officer asks you; you may wind up with even more criminal charges against you.

Should You Cooperate with Police?

You know if you do something wrong; however, what if you haven’t, and the police still suspect you? In this situation, you may think explaining why you are innocent is smart.

Unfortunately, this will give the police more potential ammunition to use against you and may even result in more charges.

If the police come to you and question you about a crime, even if you are innocent, you should remain silent. If they insist you talk, you should ask for an attorney. You have the right to say nothing, and while the police may try to trick or bully you into talking, you don’t have to (see: Should I talk to a detective without a lawyer?).

Steps to take if you are being arrested for a crime you know you are innocent of include the following:

● Remain Calm

Do not try to argue with the police or resist arrest. This will only make things worse for you in the long run.

● Remain Silent

As mentioned above, it is best for you to say nothing. You do not have to answer the police’s questions about a crime they suspect you of committing. You do have the right to request an attorney’s presence.

● Contact a Lawyer

You need to call an attorney as early in the process as possible. Call a lawyer if you know you are under investigation, but not charged or arrested with a crime yet. Establishing the attorney-client relationship as early as possible will benefit you and your case.

Be sure to keep these steps in mind if you are arrested or if you are suspected of a crime. At Blank Law, PC, we can help you build a strong defense against the charges you are facing. We have years of experience helping individuals like you in similar situations. Call us as soon as possible so we can begin working on your case.

If You are Close to the Victim, You are an Automatic Suspect

When someone reports a crime, such as sex crimes, assault, murder, and other violent incidents, law enforcement officers know the attacker was likely someone the victim knew. Due to this, most police will look to those who are closest to the victim before even considering that a third party may have been involved.

It is smart and recommended that you hire a criminal defense lawyer while the police investigation continues. In fact, this can help reduce the possibility that you are even charged with a crime.

Hiring a Michigan criminal defense lawyer ensures you have someone on your side, ready to help with your case. Establishing an attorney-client relationship early in the criminal investigation process is advantageous in many ways. For example, your criminal defense lawyer can ensure that the police do not bully you into a false confession or trick you into this. They will also provide substantial assistance with all parts of the criminal case.

You May Be a Suspect in a Crime and Not Realize It

When federal agents or law enforcement officers start investigating criminal activity, they may have a suspect in mind or search for someone to blame. In many situations, the police presume a suspect is guilty and, as a result, all the evidence they look for will be to prove that their suspicions are correct. A law enforcement officer who is investigating a crime will not work to try to prove your innocence.

Some of the ways that police investigate a potential crime is by interviewing a suspect’s family, friends, and neighbors. They will also speak to any witnesses to try to support what they suspect. It is worth mentioning that the police have the legal right to investigate someone without even letting them know they may be charged with a crime.

Routine Questions May Not Actually Be Routine

When a law enforcement officer speaks to you, they may state that the questions are “routine.” They may also claim that you can clear your name by answering questions they ask. However, when you are questioned by law enforcement officers – even before you are read your rights or charged with a crime – your answers may be used against you down the road.

In this situation, it is important to note that the police are already suspicious of you. This is why you should not cooperate with police by answering questions without having a criminal defense attorney present.

During an investigation, the officer’s questions will be specific and targeted. They aim to get you to say something they can use to prove you committed the crime you are suspected of.

Common Tactics Used By Police when Questioning You for a Crime

It is not unlikely for law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors to build a criminal case against an innocent person because they did not look at all the evidence or take a good look at the situation. In some cases, police even collect evidence of a crime illegally, while some will suppress or hide evidence to show probable cause to arrest you.

If you freely answer questions the police or prosecutors ask you; you may incriminate yourself. You may want to cooperate with the police because you believe you are innocent and that it will help them see that; however, this is not the case. If you talk to the police and answer questions, they may use your answers against you and move forward with the arrest and criminal charges. The best strategy in these situations is to remain calm and remain silent until your criminal defense lawyer is present.

Do Not Become Another Innocent Person Spending Time in Prison

It is estimated that there are over 20,000 innocent people who are currently serving time in prison. Due to how serious this issue is, you need a criminal defense lawyer to help with your case. Along with helping to prove your innocence, your lawyer can work out a plea deal in some cases, which may be in your best interest, depending on the situation.

Just remember, while you may know you are accused of a crime you didn’t commit, if the police are questioning you, then they suspect you of it. It is in your best interest to remain silent, as this will benefit your criminal defense strategy.

Contact Our Law Office for Help with any Michigan Criminal Matter

If you are under investigation in Michigan for a crime, you have a reason to be concerned. Now is the time to call an experienced criminal defense attorney. At our law office, we offer aggressive representation for clients and help build a strong defense strategy on their behalf. We offer a Michigan criminal defense attorney free consultation and can even work to arrange a plea bargain, if that is the best option.

You need to remain aware of what is happening and understand that the investigators working on the case are trained professionals. They know what to do to trick you into providing information they can use against you to prove you are guilty of a crime – even if you are not.

Some officers will even play games of “good cop, bad cop” or tell you that you will be arrested if you fail to cooperate with their questioning. Another tactic that is used is pretending they are concerned about you and working to win your confidence. Once they have it, they talk to you like you are a friend. At this point, your guard will be down and you will likely be more likely to say something incriminating.

If the police are investigating you, you can only trust your attorney.

Attorney Nicole Blank Becker and Her Law Office are Here to Help

Being arrested is something most people want to avoid. Unfortunately, even innocent people are falsely arrested from time to time. If you are in this situation, you should remain silent and contact the criminal defense law office of Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, Blank Law, PC. We offer all clients a free consultation to discuss their cases and needs.

If you have questions about your situation or need help with your case, contact us by calling (248) 803-0027 any time, day or night. You can also contact us by clicking the form on the website.

We encourage you to get in touch right away. Our legal team will help you with your case and build a strong defense against the criminal charges you face. We are here to help, and it all starts with a phone call to our office to schedule a free consultation.