If you should have an encounter with law enforcement, and you’re not sure what to do or how to make sure your rights are respected, an attorney can step in and offer the professional, knowledgeable help you need.
First and foremost an experienced criminal defense attorney can determine if it is in your best interest to share your information with the authorities. Because he or she understands the intricacies of criminal law you can avoid answering questions that you think might help you, but will, in fact, hurt you.
For example, without being aware of it, suspects often admit to “aiding and abetting”, being an “accessory”, or being involved in a “conspiracy”. Your attorney will probably also assess whether your statements could provide the police with facts which may be used to prove where you were, who you were with, or other possibly damaging information. A very careful assessment of what you have to say before you say it is imperative.
If you and your attorney decide it is in your interest to answer the police officer’s questions, your attorney will probably express your willingness to cooperate and at the same time establish the rules regarding the questioning. He or she will certainly not allow the police to engage in any of the deceptive questioning techniques like those used in the Reid technique.
Furthermore, if you have information about the crime your attorney may be able to negotiate an immunity agreement in exchange for the information. (Needless to say, on your own you would not have access to the prosecutor to get such an agreement.) Your attorney may also insist that the interview is recorded or videotaped so there will be no question about what exactly was said.
Finally, being prepared and conducting the meeting on your terms will vastly improve the odds of you succeeding.
As a criminal defense attorney, I can advise you on all the particulars of your case. Contact me to schedule a free consultation. As a professional criminal attorney, I have the knowlege that can help you.
Dan Koukol, California Criminal Defense Attorney