Whether you are innocent or not, a police interrogation can be daunting. It can make you nervous, leading to errors such as making a statement that can be used against you in a court of law. Here are a few tips to help you handle a police interrogation.
You Have The Right To Remain Silent
To get a confession from a suspect, a police officer can employ several tactics, including asking you the same questions multiple times. Police interrogations are intense and unnerving, but you should always remember that you have the right to remain silent. Simply remaining silent and refusing to answer questions does not imply that you have invoked your right to remain silent. So, you should verbally inform the police that you choose not to answer any questions.
The right to remain silent is one of the Miranda Rights of the arrested individual. According to Stroleny Law, P.A., as soon as the individual has exercised their right to remain silent, all interrogations should stop. However, if the police continue to interrogate you after you invoke this constitutional right, it can be considered a violation of your Miranda Rights.
Refusing to answer the questions of the police allows you to avoid making mistakes that could harm your case. Even if you are innocent and think you are merely stating harmless facts during the interrogation, giving a statement to the police without consulting an attorney can be risky.
Try To Stay Calm
When the police interrogate you, anything you say or do just because you are nervous can cause suspicion. The police are looking to build a case, and if you seem anxious, they might become more suspicious. So instead, you should try to stay calm and request legal counsel.
In addition, stress can impair your judgment, resulting in words or actions you could regret later. Therefore, it is essential to remain calm during a police interrogation. Staying calm and collected allows you to analyze each question carefully and only answer what is being asked.
Avoid Confrontation
A police interrogation can get emotional and frustrating; however, if you let your emotions get the best of you, you may undermine your case. When the questions asked by the police become more focused, it is crucial to maintain your composure. The police might ask questions that upset you to goad you into giving a statement they can use against you, which is why you should maintain control of your emotions.
Ask For An Attorney
Lastly, you must exercise your right to have an attorney present during the interrogation. A lawyer can guide you through the interrogation process. They can also inform you when you should refrain from providing an answer to a question that could potentially damage your case.
An experienced lawyer can also point out any incorrect information or misunderstanding that led to your arrest, which may lead to charges being dropped against you. Another advantage of having an attorney present during the interrogation is that you are likely to be less anxious knowing you have an experienced attorney looking out for you.
