If you have been arrested in Savannah, Georgia, it can be an overwhelming experience. You may be wondering whether you should talk to the police. While it is important to cooperate with law enforcement officers, it is equally important to exercise your legal rights.
You Have Rights
You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution so within reason, you should not talk to the police. You also have the right to have your attorney present during questioning. You should exercise these rights and avoid speaking to the police until you have spoken with an attorney.
Police Tactics
If you have been arrested, the police will likely want to question you about the alleged crime. Even if you have not been formally charged, the police may want answers from you because they suspect you are in fact the likely offender. Unbeknownst to you, they may be listening to your answers to build up evidence to charge you. Even if you know they suspect you, you may wrongly think you can show them you are innocent and that they have the wrong person.
Police investigators are skilled in getting you to talk through what appears to be a friendly conversational tone or a more aggressive accusatory tone. Even if you are 100% innocent, you are likely not prepared for what may go on during questioning. You need to be aware that the police may use tactics to pressure you into making a statement or confession. These tactics can include lying, making false promises, or threatening you with harsher charges or penalties. By remaining silent and obtaining legal advice, you can protect yourself from these tactics and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Speak With an Attorney First
By speaking with an attorney, you can obtain valuable legal advice and representation during the legal process. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on how to proceed. They can also communicate with law enforcement officers on your behalf to protect your legal rights.
It is important to remember that anything you say to the police can be used against you in court. Even innocent statements can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, potentially harming your case. Therefore, it is best to remain silent until you have spoken with an attorney.
If you do choose to speak with the police, it is important to be truthful and cooperative, but not to your detriment. It is always best to avoid making any admissions or confessions without first consulting with an attorney. It is also important to avoid making any promises or agreements with law enforcement officers without first obtaining legal advice.
Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney Today
In Savannah, Georgia, the law firm of Phillips Carson Phillips has criminal defense attorneys to assist you during questioning, advise you, and protect your rights if you are suspected of a crime or have been arrested.
If you have been arrested in Savannah, Georgia, it is important to remain calm and exercise your legal rights, remains silent offering only basic information such as your identity. Be polite but consistent in stating you want to have a lawyer present for all questioning. By speaking with an attorney and having an attorney present with you during questioning, you avoid accidentally making any admissions or confessions that can be used against you.
Phillips Carson Phillips provides criminal defense representation against numerous crimes including federal as well as state crimes. If you or a loved one has been arrested or called in for questioning, do not go alone. Call Phillips Carson Phillips, one of Savannah’s leading criminal defense firms. Call 912-232-0081.