In some cases, before you are charged with a crime, if the police do not have enough evidence, they will bring you in for questioning. In other cases, they may ask you to come in because they believe you have pertinent information regarding an alleged crime that can be used to build a case against someone else. Whatever the case, it is imperative to understand your rights during police interrogations. Often, individuals unfamiliar with their rights are taken advantage of by the police and crack under pressure, which can lead to criminal charges. To ensure your rights are safeguarded during police interrogations, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of an adept Rockland County Criminal Defense Attorney. Please continue reading to learn how our legal team can help ensure your rights are not violated.
How can I protect my rights during police interrogations in New York?
During a police interrogation, law enforcement officers will ask you various questions to obtain information about an alleged crime. Often, they will use different deceitful tactics to coerce a confession. A common misconception is that during police interrogations, you have the right to honesty. However, that is not the case. The police have full authority to lie to you to obtain pertinent information regarding a crime.
Therefore, you should invoke your right to remain silent to protect your rights. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from being compelled to provide incriminating information about yourself. Essentially, it protects you from testifying against yourself, meaning you do not have to answer questions posed to you in an interrogation to avoid self-incrimination. If you do not enact your right to remain silent, you may say something the police can use against you to press criminal charges.
Do I have the right to be represented by an attorney?
When you are brought in for questioning, it is in your best interest to invoke your constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. Per your Sixth Amendment right, you have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning with the police. Even though you may not have been arrested, it is still wise to have an attorney present during questioning, as it will guarantee that your rights are safeguarded at all times. A seasoned attorney will be familiar with common police tactics and ensure you do not fall into their traps. Additionally, they can negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.
Police interrogations are intense, which can cause individuals to crumble under pressure, accidentally incriminating themselves. To avoid self-incrimination, contact a skilled Rockland County criminal defense attorney from the Law Office of Carl Spector today. Our firm is committed to protecting our client’s rights and interests.
