If the police come to your house looking for you to get a statement does that mean they are going to arrest you?
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If the police come to your house looking for you to get a statement does that mean they are going to arrest you?
Should I talk to the police without a criminal lawyer? Can they come to my job? I’m in San Joaquin, CA.
Asked on November 11, 2011 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
First of all, if the police want to talk to you regarding a crime, that means that you are a person of interest and possibly the target of an investigation. However, depending on your statement or other evidence, you may or may not be arrested.
You do not have to appear at the police station if you choose not to. Whatever you do, under no circumstances should you go to speak with the police without having a criminal defense lawyer with you. This is true no matter how innocent you may be. You could unintentionally say something incriminating about yourself (or someone else). The fact is that you are under no obligation to speak with the police, even if they come to your home or your job (which they can do).
If you speak to them without having a lawyer present to guard your interests, it is to their benefit. They can and will try to get you to implicate yourself in the crime. So no matter how friendly they may appear, or no matter how intimidating and threatening they are, do not speak to them without legal representation. An experienced criminal law attorney is your best protection.
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