If you are being questioned by the police in Stillwater, Oklahoma, it is most likely because you are suspected of committing a crime or believed to have information regarding a crime that has been committed. Either way, it a very precarious situation to be in.
In order to perform their duty to protect and serve the community, the law gives policemen the power to detain and question citizens.
However, you as a citizen also have certain rights when questioned by the police.
Here is what you should do if the police ask for your side of the story.
Your Rights if Questioned by the Police
The police have the authority to ask you to provide a statement, whether you are guilty or innocent and whether they intend to arrest you or not.
However, with very few exceptions, you have no legal obligation to answer.
You should never give a statement to the police without first consulting with an experienced Stillwater criminal defense attorney.
While you are encouraged to cooperate with the police as much as possible, the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution gives you the right to remain silent in order to avoid self-incrimination. You would be best served by doing so for these reasons:
- Anything you say can be used against you in court, but not in your defense.
- There is always the chance that what you say might be distorted or recounted inaccurately and then used against you.
- Even if you are innocent, what you say may be incriminating.
- By giving a statement to the police, you run the risk of inadvertently admitting guilt without any benefit in return. If you admit to guilt too soon, you may lose any chance to use an admission of guilt as a tool to secure a plea bargain, if indeed you need to make one.
To invoke your right to remain silent, stay calm and simply state clearly that you do not want to answer the questions or give a statement until you have seen an attorney. Repeat this as many times as necessary. Then, contact an experienced Stillwater defense attorney as soon as you have the opportunity to do so.
If you have been arrested and cannot afford an attorney, the court will provide you with one. Until then, preserve your innocence by refusing to offer any information to the police until you have consulted with the public defender appointed to your case.
When you are suspected of having knowledge of or committing a criminal offense, knowing your rights when questioned by the police can help you to preserve your innocence. For more information, contact an experienced Stillwater criminal law attorney.
Initial Strategy Session: Stillwater Defense Attorney
Whether your case involves a felony, misdemeanor, a traffic infraction, a DUI, or a post-conviction appeal, call our Stillwater criminal defense attorney today for a low-cost consultation. Wirth Law Office – Stillwater can also help get previous convictions expunged from your record or help you prepare a viable pardon application.
If you would like a initial consultation with a Stillwater, Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer, call 405-673-1600 or toll free at 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452).
You can also submit the question for the Stillwater lawyer using the form at the top right of this page.
