Police & You: Things to Remember If Confronted by the Police

Police & You: Things to Remember When Confronted By Police

1. Don’t Speak.

Shut up! Do not talk! Do not attempt to convince the officer that you are innocent. Everyone is innocent, no one should be arrested and no one should be in jail – that is what the officer hears every day. Usually, when people speak to officers they say something that hurts their case in the long-run. Keep your mouth shut. There will be plenty of time to talk later – after you have spoken with your attorney. Also, remember, it can be a federal and state crime for you to lie to the police during the course of a criminal investigation. The key is not whether you actually lied, it is whether the police and prosecutor think you lied in something you said, or something you failed to say.

2. Do What You Are Told, Be Polite, and Don’t Run

Listen to the police officer and follow his/her instructions. If you are instructed to get out of your vehicle, do so. (This is not the same as agreeing to a search. Never agree to a search – see below). Do not run. Running can be used as evidence against you in court. The prosecutor will argue that you ran because you knew you were guilty. Also, running is downright dangerous. The police may become suspicious that someone running has a weapon. They may be more likely to draw their own weapon. The officer will do everything in his/her power to go home at the end of the day. Running could create an impression that you are armed. This could result in your being shot. Also, when you run, you can expect to be treated more forcefully once you are caught.

3. Do Not Resist Arrest

Never touch the police officer under any circumstances, period. The officer’s forceful reaction, which may lead to you lying face down on the ground, your face bloody and full of pepper spray, will not be pleasant. You will also find yourself charged with assaulting and/or resisting the officer.

4. Do Not Believe the Police

It is legal for the police to lie to you in order to further their investigation. Some of the prosecutor’s best evidence may be your confession to an officer that lied to you in order to get you to talk. Do not believe the police. Ask to speak with your lawyer. Then shut up. Also, it can be a federal and state crime for you to lie to the police during the course of a criminal investigation.

5. No Searching

Never agree to a search of your property. If you are asked for permission to search, politely and firmly state, “You (the police) MAY NOT search”. Say this even if you do not think you have anything to worry about. While this could result in a longer delay or your unlawful arrest, it is better for you in the long run. Criminal cases are like baseball games. You may lose the first couple of innings, but the goal is to win the entire game. Play for the long-term result, not the short-term victory.

6. Do Not Talk Trash to the Police

Even if you have been falsely accused or wrongly arrested, do not talk trash to the police. Be polite and respectful. A poor attitude, even if completely justified, only hurts you in the long run. The police have a great deal of discretion in deciding what charges to seek and what to tell the prosecutor about your situation. A favorable or neutral impression is far better than the police thinking you are a jerk because you acted like one.

7. Do Not Allow the Police to Enter Without a Warrant

Politely advise the police that they may not enter without a search warrant signed by a judge. Ask to see a copy of the warrant. Do not be convinced by promises of a less comprehensive search if you agree to let them enter. Make the police present their evidence to a judge whose job it is to ensure there is probable cause supporting a search. This is your right under our Constitution. Exercise it. After you have said “no” to the request to search, call your attorney immediately.

8. If Arrested Outside, Do Not Agree to Enter Your Home for Anything

Do not agree to go inside to change, freshen up, speak to your spouse or children, get a jacket, or for any other reason. Once inside the police may legally seize anything out in the open that is related to the case, or any other items that are obviously contraband. Also, you may not realize at the time that what you have out in plain view could be relevant to the on-going police investigation.

9. Assert Your Rights

Specifically advise the police that you do not want to answer questions or make a statement. Specifically advise the police that you want an attorney. Specifically request an opportunity to use a phone and call someone. Then, tell that person where you are and the name of the officer that you are with. Instruct that person to call your criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not give into pressure that may be placed on you to cooperate. Do not change your mind. Stand firm, even if this means you will be arrested and spend some time in jail. In fact, expect to be in jail until you and your attorney have a chance to see the judge together. You can lose the first few innings and still win the game.

10. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney

Facing a state or federal criminal investigation or charge in Michigan can be terrifying. It is particularly scary when you realize that the light at the end of the tunnel is a freight train headed in your direction. This is so whether you actually did something wrong, or you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time through no fault of your own. No matter the reason, it is essential that you contact an effective and experienced Detroit, Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County criminal defense attorney to handle your matter.