Having a face to face moment with a Police Officer can be one of the most stressful moments in your life, but it does not have to be detrimental to your welfare and liberty. Understand your rights and responsibilities when speaking to a law enforcement officer.
Remain Silent when being charged with a crime
First, and most important, you are under no obligation to speak to a police officer even if you are being arrested. You have a right to remain silent. You should remain silent even if you are arrested and taken to jail. That is the safest to interact with the police officer. Remaining silent cannot be used against you in a future court hearing. Anything you do so, can and absolutely WILL be used against you at court for whatever reason the prosecuting attorney can find.
Anything you say (to anyone) will be used against you should you be charged with a crime. From the innocuous, “I didn’t do it” (with the right amount of emotional surprise or shock at being arrested or detained) to the cocky “Prove it!”, and any other utterance can get you into more trouble than what it is worth.
Consult with a Criminal Defense Attorney
The only person with whom you should speak is you attorney. Your criminal defense attorney is your best friend (and some would say, your only friend) when you find yourself in a legal trouble. If you find yourself in legal trouble, remain calm and silent. Let your defense lawyer do the talking. Remember that combative and disrespectful behavior will only lead to more trouble, and potentially more charges.
Free 30 minute criminal defense consultation
Compass Legal Services PS provides a half hour free consultation for criminal law matters to help those in need understand the circumstances they are facing and the options available to protect them. Under certain circumstances, an attorney may even be able to meet clients who are being held in the Kitsap County Jail. Call and schedule a consultation and talk to a criminal defense attorney before talking to anyone else.
To schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer at Compass Legal Services, call 360.471.3300.