Why You Should Never Talk to Police Without a Lawyer
If you're being questioned by police—whether you're under arrest or “just helping with an investigation”—one of the most important decisions you can make is to stay silent until you’ve spoken with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
It’s natural to want to explain yourself, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. But anything you say can and will be used against you. Even a well-meaning statement can be twisted or taken out of context.
Police Questioning Is Not a Casual Conversation
When police ask you to “come down to the station” or “just answer a few questions,” understand this: they are not doing you a favor. They're building a case.
Police are legally allowed to mislead you during questioning—but if you give inaccurate information, even by accident, you could be charged with obstruction or worse. Innocent people get caught up in the system every day because they tried to "clear things up" without a lawyer present.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent—Use It
The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent. But silence alone isn’t enough. You must clearly state:
“I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak to an attorney.”
Once you've asserted this right, law enforcement must stop questioning you. Until then, anything you say—even casual small talk—can be used as evidence.
The Role of a Defense Attorney
An experienced criminal defense lawyer does more than just represent you in court. They protect your rights from the moment you’re approached by police. At the Law Offices of Richard Waller, we’ve seen cases fall apart—or never get filed at all—because clients called us before saying a single word to law enforcement.
Early legal representation is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Charged
If police want to talk, call us first. The longer you wait, the more you risk. At the Law Offices of Richard Waller, consultations are always free, and we’re here to help you navigate the situation before it becomes a crisis.
Call: (847) 790-4042
Email: richard@wallerlawoffice.com
Say Nothing, Call Me.®
