I am a suspect in a criminal case. The investigating detective has requested an interview with me. I cannot afford a lawyer. How should I handle this situation?

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I am a suspect in a criminal case. The investigating detective has requested an interview with me. I cannot afford a lawyer. How should I handle this situation?

I am not certain how much information I should provide. He advised me that he will be reading me miranda rights.

Asked on August 7, 2019 under Criminal Law, North Carolina

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

You don't have to meet with him unless and until you are arrested: meeting with the police without being arrested is voluntary on your part. Even if you do choose to meet with him, or are arrested, you do not have to say anything that may "incriminate" you, or tend to show that you are guilty of a crime. So the answer is, don't say anything to them that in way incriminates you, and if you are in fact guilty of something, you are best off not even agreeing to speak to him. You do not want to lie to the police, since if you are charged and tried, any lies or inconsistencies can be used against you later to "impeach" your testimony, or make you look untruthful.


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