Why should I never speak to the police without an attorney present in New York?

If you are arrested, it is critical to understand your basic constitutional rights. This includes invoking your Miranda Rights when arrested. Essentially, you always have the right to remain silent as anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. In addition, your Miranda rights also include the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police and to have an attorney present during questioning. Ultimately, understanding the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution can help you avoid accidentally incriminating yourself to the police. Keep reading to learn why you should never speak to the police without an attorney present and how a dedicated Rockland County Criminal Defense Attorney can help you navigate interactions with the police. 

Why should I have an attorney present when speaking to the police?

When arrested or interrogated as a suspect in a crime, it is in your best interest to obtain the legal counsel of an experienced attorney. The police employ a variety of different tactics to trick individuals into confessing or admitting information that could incriminate them. This information can be used against them in a court of law. It is imperative to understand that when you are arrested, the police are not on your side. They may use numerous tactics to try to persuade you into trusting them. However, they are simply trying to get you to say something that could incriminate you. If you do not have an attorney present, you may not be aware of your rights. Moreover, without an attorney present, you may not realize that police officers can lie to you. It is common for police officers to promise that they will put in a good word for you and that if you cooperate, you will get a good deal. However, police officers do not have the authority to offer you any deals. Without an attorney present during a police interrogation, you may fall into various traps. As mentioned above, anything you say to the police can and will be used against you in a court of law. If an attorney is present the various tactics police use will not be as effective and you can ensure that your rights will be protected.

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one have been arrested, it is imperative to retain the legal services of one of our skilled and determined attorneys. The police use various tactics to get you to accidentally incriminate yourself. However, you always have the right to remain silent. It is critical to understand your basic constitutional rights. Our firm is committed to helping our clients protect their rights. Allow our firm to represent your interests in court.