If you are taken into police custody and interrogated about a crime, you may feel as though you are helpless. However, you must understand that when you are being interrogated by police, you are still protected under the Constitution. In the event you are arrested and interrogated by law enforcement officers, knowing your rights is vital to protect yourself. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and why you need Houston criminal defense attorneys to help you navigate criminal proceedings.
What Rights Do I Have When Being Interrogated by Police?
When you are in a police interrogation, even if you are not under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. This is your Constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment, which allows you the right to refuse to answer any questions that may implicate you in a crime. As such, you should inform the police that you are invoking your right to remain silent. It is necessary to know that if you are under arrest, you may be forced to give samples of DNA. This is not a violation of the Fifth Amendment, as this only protects communication.
Similarly, you have the right to an attorney when enduring questioning or an interrogation. As such, when the police want to speak with you, it’s in your best interest to remain silent until you have consulted with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Generally, if you are under arrest, the police will read you your Miranda rights, which explain that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. However, you do not need to be placed under arrest to invoke these rights.
Are There Any Rights I Don’t Have?
Though you can remain silent and have an attorney present when being questioned, there is one right you do not have – the right to honesty. When questioning or interrogating you, the police do not have to tell you the truth. They can create lies as a means of eliciting information out of you. Most commonly, they will tell you they have evidence like DNA or fingerprints connecting you to the crime.
While the police can lie to you, you cannot lie to the police. If it’s discovered you lied to law enforcement, you may face additional charges. As such, it’s best to remain silent until you can consult an experienced defense lawyer.
When you’re taken into police custody or questioned by police, it’s essential to ensure you have competent legal representation. At the Gonzalez Law Group, our dedicated legal team understands that contact with the police can leave you in a tricky situation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you through these challenging situations to protect you from incriminating yourself.
