Benitez Family Law
Should I Talkto the Police?
The short answer: identify yourself, be courteous, and do not answer questions without a lawyer.
What you should do
- Provide your name and, if driving, your license and registration.
- Stay calm and respectful. Judges ask officers whether the person was cooperative.
- Say clearly: “I want to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.”
What you should not do
- Explain your side. What feels like clearing things up becomes evidence.
- Consent to a search of your vehicle, phone, or home. You can say: “I do not consent to a search.”
- Sign written statements.
- Try to talk your way out of it. People with no record try this most and are hurt by it most.
If you already talked
It is not the end of the case. Tell us exactly what you said and under what circumstances. Statements taken without the required warnings or during an unlawful detention can be suppressed.
If they call you in to “clear something up”
An invitation to the station to talk is almost always an investigative interview. Consult us before going. Often, a lawyer can speak with the investigator on your behalf.
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