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.

1. 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.

✔ Everything you say can be used against you later.
✔ Even innocent statements can be twisted to make you look guilty.
✔ The police can legally lie to you to get you to talk.

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

2. 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.

✔ 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.
✔ A lawyer will determine if talking to the police is in your best interest.

❌ 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.

3. You Could Accidentally Incriminate Yourself

Even if you have done nothing wrong, you could say something that 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.

✔ The police may misinterpret what you say.
✔ You may unknowingly contradict yourself.
✔ A lawyer will make sure your words are not twisted against you.

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

4. 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.

✔ 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.

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

5. 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.

✔ 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.

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

What Should You 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.

✔ Tell them 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.

Final Word: Protect Yourself Before It’s Too Late

The biggest mistake people make is talking first and hiring a lawyer later—when the damage is already done. If the police want to speak with you, protect yourself from the start by hiring a lawyer before you say anything.

If law enforcement contacts you, call Benzaken, Maguire, Sheehan & Wood, LLP immediately at 508-897-0001. We will protect your rights, guide you through the process, and make sure you don’t say something that could cost you your freedom.