BSW — Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP
HomeContact Us
BlogAttorneysRequest Consultation
Legal Help

Hire a Lawyer Before You Talk to the Police.

If the police want to speak with you—whether as a witness, a person of interest, or a suspect—you need a lawyer before answering any questions. Many people mistakenly believe that if they have done nothing wrong, they don't need legal representation.

The truth is, talking to the police without a lawyer is a serious mistake that can put your freedom at risk. Here's why you should always hire an attorney before speaking with law enforcement.

Reason № 01

The Police Are Not on Your Side

No matter how friendly or casual the conversation seems, the police are not there to help you—they are investigating a case. Even if they say, "We just want to clear some things up," their real goal is to gather evidence.

What to Do

  • Remember everything you say can be used against you later.
  • Know that even innocent statements can be twisted to make you look guilty.
  • Understand the police can legally lie to you to get you to talk.

What NOT to Do

Do NOT assume that cooperating without a lawyer will make the problem go away. It often makes things worse.

Reason № 02

You Might Be a Suspect Without Knowing It

Many people are questioned as "witnesses" or "persons of interest," only to later find themselves under investigation. Police do not have to tell you if you are a suspect.

What to Do

  • If the police want to talk to you, assume you may be a suspect.
  • Even if you are just a witness, what you say can still get you in trouble.
  • Let a lawyer determine if talking to the police is in your best interest.

What NOT to Do

Do NOT assume that if you're innocent, talking will clear things up. People have been charged with crimes based on statements they made while trying to "help" the police.

Reason № 03

You Could Accidentally Incriminate Yourself

Even if you have done nothing wrong, you could say something the police use against you. Many people are charged with crimes not because they confessed, but because they made statements that seemed suspicious or contradictory.

What to Do

  • Recognize the police may misinterpret what you say.
  • Understand you may unknowingly contradict yourself.
  • Let a lawyer make sure your words are not twisted against you.

What NOT to Do

Do NOT assume you can "explain" your way out of a situation. Police are trained to get information that helps their case—not yours.

Reason № 04

A Lawyer Controls the Conversation

Once you hire a lawyer, the police must go through your attorney instead of questioning you directly. This protects you from being pressured, tricked, or misled.

What to Do

  • Your lawyer will speak on your behalf.
  • Your lawyer will decide whether you should talk at all.
  • Your lawyer will protect your rights during questioning.

What NOT to Do

Do NOT go into an interview alone. Without a lawyer, you are completely vulnerable.

Reason № 05

You Can't Fix a Bad Statement Later

If you make a mistake in a police interview, you can't take it back. Even if you realize later that you misspoke or gave incorrect information, the police will use your original statement against you.

What to Do

  • A lawyer prevents you from making mistakes before they happen.
  • If a statement is necessary, your lawyer will help you give the right one.
  • A lawyer ensures you don't say anything that could be misinterpreted.

What NOT to Do

Do NOT assume you can correct a bad statement later. Once it's in the record, it's there for good.

What To Do

If the police want to talk to you.

If the police contact you, do NOT answer any questions until you consult with a lawyer.

Say this — politely

"I want to cooperate, but I need to speak with my lawyer first."

  • Call an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.
  • Let your lawyer handle all communications with the police.
  • Do not answer questions, sign anything, or agree to a search.

Protect yourself before it's too late

If law enforcement contacts you, call Benzaken, Sheehan & Wood, LLP immediately.

508-897-0001Request a consultation
Contact Us

Real attorneys.
One call away.

Your Team

When the call comes in, you speak with a partner not a screener. Every consultation is confidential, and we respond to every inquiry, typically within hours.

Office
1342 Belmont Street, Suite 102
Brockton, MA 02301
Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 6:00
After-hours by appointment

Request a consultation

All fields required. Your information stays with the firm.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not include sensitive information until a relationship is established.