Being Accused of a Crime
If you are being accused of a crime or even if you are only being asked to talk to the police, it is advisable to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, certainly in advance of speaking with law enforcement officers concerning a crime.
Police officers will commonly question a person simply to obtain enough evidence against the person to build a case.
Talking to police officers before consulting a lawyer is nearly always a poor decision, even if you are completely innocent of the charges.
Make No Statements Whatsoever
A statement that a person may simply intend as an innocent explanation, or "giving his or her side of the story", will often be viewed by authorities as a confession. Many innocent people are behind bars because of this type of thinking.
The average citizen, not familiar with criminal law and procedure, is easily fooled when police officers tell them that things will be a lot easier if they cooperate. This statement is rarely ever true. When it comes down to answering questions from police officers, such a claim couldn't be further from the truth.
Be Wise to Common Police Tactics in Criminal Cases
Law enforcement officers often will lead a suspect to believe that cooperation will be rewarded by leniency, when in reality the police will deny making any such promises...and in court, the judge will usually believe the police officers, not the person accused of the offense.
In the end, it is the prosecutor and the judge that determine punishment in criminal cases, not the police. That's the law. Rarely will a police officer stand up for an accused person and take their side when they are charged with a crime.
If a law enforcement officer wants to question you, you can invoke your constitutional right under the 5th Amendment to remain silent by simply stating "I want to talk to an attorney before answering any questions".
Get Sound Legal Advice Before you Make a Critical Mistake
Remember, before making any decision, it is critically important to get the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. The job of a police officer is to put people behind bars, and that may include you. Once you speak with a police officer, it's too late to change your mind. Talk to a criminal defense specialist before making any move. Phone Attorney Dan Weisenburger right now! He routinely handles criminal cases in all municipal and common pleas courts in both Summit County and Portage County, with law offices in both Ravenna and Stow.
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