Learning that you are the subject of a criminal investigation is understandably concerning. Whether a Los Angeles County law enforcement officer has arrested you at the scene of an alleged crime or the police are investigating an allegation of criminal activity that someone made against you, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and worried about how this event will affect your future. Even if you know you have been falsely accused of committing a crime, the prospect of a police interrogation can be intimidating. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers may claim that they want to “hear your side of the story” or “clear a few things up” in order to gain your confidence. Although they will likely tell you that you do not need to have an attorney present during the police interview (in some cases, they may even say that requesting the presence of a lawyer is an indication of your guilt), doing so is highly recommended. Having an attorney in the room during an interview with police officers is the best way to ensure that you understand your legal rights and that your constitutional rights remain protected at every opportunity. Even if a person believes they are only helping with an investigation or has done nothing wrong, speaking to law enforcement without legal representation can lead to serious consequences. This post will highlight some basic information about law enforcement interrogations and provide some tips to minimize potential issues during this process.
Recognizing Common Police Interview Tactics
Law enforcement officers receive comprehensive training in interrogation strategies that can elicit confessions or coax the subject into making incriminating statements. Most people are familiar with the “good cop, bad cop” dynamic that lulls the subject into a false sense of security. Police officers often portray themselves as neutral “information gatherers” or even as sympathetic confidants—both of which are attempts to make you let down your guard. Ultimately, the objective of law enforcement interrogations is not necessarily to find the truth but to gather any evidence that could incriminate you or support the suspicions they already have about the case. In some cases, such tactics can lead to false confessions or other statements that can be manipulated and misconstrued when the matter proceeds to court. Even if the police officers dissuade you from requesting the presence of a lawyer during any interviews, it’s essential to understand that it’s every person’s constitutional right to have legal representation in such instances. Just because you wish to have an attorney present is not indicative of your guilt, despite what the law enforcement officers may tell you. When a criminal defense attorney is present during an interrogation, the officers will not be able to manipulate the subject or use any other tactics to their advantage. With an attorney by your side, you can trust that you have a dedicated legal advocate who is actively looking out for your best interests.
How a Skilled Los Angeles County Lawyer Can Protect You During Police Interrogations
If this is your first interaction with law enforcement in Los Angeles County, you may not be familiar with your legal rights and obligations. For instance, the officer may tell you that you are required to answer their questions. However, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, “You have the constitutional right to remain silent.” If the officer is adamant that you answer questions, you can exercise your constitutional right to seek legal counsel before answering any of their questions. Officers must honor your request, but it’s not unheard of for a police officer to continue asking you questions after you have clearly explained that you are exercising your right to remain silent and your right to have an attorney present. Ultimately, your primary goal is to say as little as possible to the police officers until you have spoken with your knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. In addition to providing you with the much-needed reassurance you need during this stressful time, having a highly qualified Los Angeles County criminal defense attorney with you in the interrogation room offers the following advantages.
Keeping You From Making Incriminating Statements
A skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer has a thorough understanding of a person’s constitutional rights. For instance, your attorney can provide clear guidance on when it may be in your best interest to speak to the officers or to remain silent. Their advice and support can reduce the likelihood of making statements or saying anything that could unintentionally incriminate you.
Safeguarding Against Unintentional Waiver of Rights
Facing the police interrogation process can be disorienting. Even though the law enforcement officer may inform you of your Miranda rights or other legal rights, many people are too overwhelmed to absorb this information. Unfortunately, you may risk the unintentional waiving of these crucial rights because of the intense stress and pressure of your circumstances. Having an attorney in the room ensures that your legal rights are articulated, recognized, and upheld at every stage of the interrogation process.
Reducing the Psychological Impact
The police interrogation process is specifically designed to put the subject under intense stress and pressure. However, when you have a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in the room with you, you can rest easy knowing that the process will be conducted fairly. Even if you know you have nothing to hide, it’s best to let your attorney take the lead and advocate on behalf of your best interests.
Turn to an Experienced Attorney for Police Interview Help
Regardless of the circumstances, hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer is crucial to ensure an individual’s rights are fully protected, understand the legal implications, and avoid mistakes that could result in criminal charges. Now is not the time to leave your future up to chance—get started with Los Angeles County’s go-to criminal defense law firm today to keep your future as bright and secure as possible.
Defending yourself against criminal charges in Los Angeles County is difficult and stressful. Without comprehensive knowledge of the legal process and the laws themselves, it is easy to make a minor mistake that leads to serious consequences. When you work with the dedicated legal team at Wegman & Levin, you can trust that your best interests will be protected at all times. Call our office today at (818) 980-4000 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer.
