If the police want to question me, should I have a lawyer?

Question Details:

I have been asked to meet with police for questioning. They will not give me any information why they want to talk to me. Should I take legal representation with me for this meeting?

Asked 12/17/2009 under Criminal Defense | 1113 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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Criminal Defense Law Answers

Sean Santoro / Santoro Law Office Answered 2 years ago | Contributor This attorney is licensed in Kansas

Yes. Sometimes I advise clients to talk with the police, sometimes I advise them to remain silent. In any event, I would advise you to contact an attorney licensed to practice in your state so that you can discuss in detail the pros and cons of a police interview. As an attorney, I attempt to get as much information from the police, prosecutor or other sources so that we can determine whether or not it is in the client's best interest to talk.

Sean Santoro/Licensed in Kansas and Missouri

Yes, you should. While they may be wanting to interview you solely as a witness to some event or act, there's also a chance that they believe you are implicated in some criminal activity. When you get down to it, police really only talk to three class of people--victims of a crime; perpetrators of a crime; witnesses to a crime. Assuming you've not been the victim, that means there's a decent chance they may suspect you of something. It is a good idea to a have a lawyer along to help protect your rights.

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