asking for attorney when police arrive

by Charlene Wuckert DVM 4 min read

When the police ask you to come down to the station to be interviewed, respond with these words, “I want to talk to a lawyer first.” Then call me. You do not have to, nor should you ever, talk to the police if you are a suspect or a possible suspect in the commission of a crime.

Full Answer

What happens if you ask for a lawyer in a police interview?

 · All Questioning Must Cease Once an Attorney is Requested. If you are in police custody and you are being questioned, you can at any time prior or during the interrogation ask for counsel. Once you ask, the questioning must cease until you are able to speak with an attorney. Remember, do not be ambiguous about your request for counsel, stating ...

What should I do when questioned by the police?

Answer (1 of 5): There are two separate rights that you want to invoke when asking for a lawyer. The first is your Sixth Amendment right to counsel; the second is your Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer any questions. The Supreme Court …

Can I Say No if the police ask for something?

 · One of the biggest and most regrettable mistakes young people make when detained by a police officer is to not ask for a lawyer. Whether you believe you have done anything illegal or not, if the police are detaining you, it is likely because they have some reason to believe that you have violated the law, or that you know something about an incident they are …

Do lawyers come to the police station on the weekend?

Police arrive at John’s home and ask to come inside and talk. John politely declines. No one gets arrested. ... John uses his son’s college fund, which may no longer be necessary, to pay for a high-priced criminal defense lawyer. Police arrive at John’s home and ask to come inside and talk. John invites the officers inside. Much to John ...

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Do police interview after arrest?

Not all police interviews take place after an arrest. In many situations, the police become aware a crime has been committed and must investigate to identify potential suspects. The police may wish to question you about a crime if you were a witness or they believe you were involved.

What to do if the police call you?

If the police call you or show up at your door asking for an interview, politely tell them that you are happy to cooperate at a future date when you have spoken with a lawyer. Then, contact a criminal defense attorney. They can advise you on whether or not it is smart to speak with the police. If you agree to be questioned or are arrested, then you ...

Can you speak to police outside your house?

If you are comfortable speaking to police, but nonetheless want to protect the privacy of your home, you can always step outside and speak with police. Whatever is outside your door, be it a stoop, a porch, or a hallway, is certainly less invasive than your own living room.

What to do if police knock on door?

If the police knock on your door and ask to speak with you, there are a number of ways you can respond. You can invite them inside, you can refuse to answer the door, and you can do just about anything and everything in between. As is the case with several legal questions, the law varies from state to state.

What is knock and talk?

A knock and talk has two primary benchmarks: the interaction must be voluntary and consensual. If a knock and talk becomes involuntary or nonconsensual, it is no longer a knock and talk. Instead, it is some other situation, which undoubtedly creates a host of other constitutional concerns.

Where is Scott Kimberly?

Scott Kimberly owns and operates the Law Office of W. Scott Kimberly in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. His practice currently focuses on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury. Outside of his law practice, Scott enjoys golf, movies, politics, and his beloved LSU Tigers. You can read more about Scott at www.murfreesborolawyer.com.

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Pre-Arrest Interviews

Post-Arrest Questioning

  • If you are arrested for a crime and booked into jail, then the police must inform you of your Mirandarights before they can question you. These rights include: 1. Remaining silent 2. Anything you say being used against you in court 3. Having an attorney 4. Having an attorney provided for you if you cannot afford one on your own After an arrest, whe...
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The Constitution Protects Your Right to An Attorney

  • Your right to an attorney during criminal prosecutions is provided by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informe…
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Do The Police Want to Question You?

  • If you have not been arrested but have been contacted by the police – or if you have been arrested for a crime – the best way to protect yourself is to call a criminal defense lawyer right away. You have the right to an attorney throughout a criminal investigation and case and should invoke this right as soon as you are able to. To talk with a criminal defense attorney, call The Law Offices o…
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