How Can I Protect My Rights During a Police Interrogation?

If you are arrested or detained by the police, you may be subjected to a police interrogation, which is a process of questioning designed to elicit information or a confession from you. Police interrogations can be intimidating and highly stressful, especially if you are not familiar with your rights and the laws that govern them. Read on and reach out to a dedicated Red Bluff criminal lawyer from Cohen Criminal Law to learn more about your rights during a police interrogation and how our firm can help protect them. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What are my rights while I’m subject to interrogation by law enforcement?

The first thing you should understand is that you have the constitutional right to remain silent. This means that you do not have to answer any questions asked by the police, except for your name and address. Once you inform law enforcement of your intention to exercise your right to remain silent, you should request the presence of a lawyer and remain silent until your lawyer arrives. Your lawyer can coach you through answering questions during your interrogation. These rights are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects you from self-incrimination, and the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees you the right to legal representation.

It’s important to remember that anything you say to the police can be used against you in court, and police may use various tactics to pressure you into giving up your rights or making false or incriminating statements. A lawyer can ensure you don’t take the bait. Often, police will lie about the evidence they have, promise leniency or immunity in exchange for cooperation, or threaten suspects with harsher charges or penalties if they do not comply. These tactics are legal and common in police interrogations, and they can be very effective in manipulating or coercing suspects into confessing or implicating themselves or others. Don’t fall for them. Have a competent attorney in your corner.

How can an attorney help me during an interrogation?

The best way to protect yourself from the aforementioned tactics is to have a lawyer by your side who can advise you on what to say and what not to say, and who can intervene if the police violate your rights or use illegal methods. A lawyer can also help you in court, by negotiating a plea deal, challenging the admissibility of any evidence obtained from the interrogation, or altogether proving your innocence.

If you have further questions about your rights during an interrogation, or you’ve been charged with a crime and you need a competent Tehama County criminal defense lawyer to represent you, contact Cohen Criminal Law today. We are here to advocate for your interests at every turn.