To Talk, or Not To Talk?

I often take calls from clients (and potential clients) who have been contacted by a law enforcement officer.  The officer has told the client that he “just wants to talk,”  that the client “isn’t under arrest,” and that the client is free to “stop answering questions and leave at any time.”  Or, the officer may have advised the client of his Miranda rights, and asked whether the client  wants to waive those rights and make a statement.

I rarely see these situations turn out well for the client, where the client decides to talk to the officer without the assistance of a lawyer.

If you are ever contacted by law enforcement, it may be true that you have done nothing wrong.  It may also be true that you have your side of a story to tell, and that your side of the story may clear everything up without any consequences.  But  you need to realize that it is a law enforcement officer’s job to build and prosecute cases.  It is not his or her job to be your friend or your advocate.

Do yourself a favor.  Get the help of a skilled lawyer to assist you in any “talk” with a detective or agent.