The police can use slick tactics to try to obtain an arrest and a subsequent criminal conviction. Thus, it’s imperative that you know how to protect yourself when interacting with investigators. One way to do so is to simply refuse to provide them with any information until such time as you can speak with your attorney. After all, a lot of people who try to explain things to the police on their own end up just talking themselves deeper into trouble.
With that said, you should be aware of some of the tactics that the police use to try to get people to talk. By being informed in this regard, you can more easily spot their strategies and be better prepared to resist them.
How the police try to get you to talk
There are a lot of tactics that the police use to try to prod individuals into discussing what could end up being implications of criminal wrongdoing. Therefore, if you suspect that the police are going to approach you about a crime that has been committed, you should be aware of these often-used strategies:
- Befriending you: The police only have to inform you of your rights if you’re being subjected to custodial interrogation. This means that you’re being asked questions at a time when you’re in custody and thus are unable to leave. To get around this, the police might try to buddy up to you outside of you being in custody so that you feel comfortable talking to them. They may indicate that they’re just looking for some information but be careful here because your words can be taken out of context and used against you.
- Threatening you: On the flip side, the police might get overly aggressive with you to try to scare you into talking. They might threaten harsh criminal charges and the worst penalties. They may even threaten your friends or family members with criminal charges if it’s believed that they’re implicated in the wrongdoing. The police might even make you feel physically or psychologically threatened. Don’t give in to this pressure.
- Offering leniency: The police might try to trick you into talking by promising to go easy on you if you give them information or a confession. But the police don’t really have this power. Only the prosecutor can agree to charge a lesser crime or provide immunity. So, be leery of any promises that the police make to you.
Remember that you have rights
It’s important to remember that you have rights that can help protect you from overzealous police officers. This includes the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present. Therefore, if you suspect that the police are going to contact you at some point, you might want to go ahead and seek legal counsel. If the police have already reached out to you, you might need a legal advocate on your side now.
Don’t let the police manipulate you
Your freedom is on the line when you come under suspicion of criminal wrongdoing. If you want to avoid incarceration and other harsh penalties that may be threatened against you, you need to know how to protect yourself at all times during the criminal investigation and prosecution processes.
That’s no easy thing, especially when you’re trying to cope with the stress of it all. But by having an aggressive criminal defense advocate on your side, you can take comfort in knowing that the right arguments are going to be made to protect your rights and hopefully position yourself for the best outcome possible under the circumstances.