Whether you have been charged with larceny or assault, the police will likely want to talk to you. However, talking to the police about your case can count against you. No matter how nice they seem, you should not talk to the cops. Here are five reasons you should not talk to the police.
You Could Accidentally Tell a White Lie
Even if you are completely innocent of a crime, you can still tell the police a white lie by accident. For instance, if you are suspected of murder and want to sound as innocent as possible, you could deny owning a gun. If the police later find out that you do in fact own a gun, they will wonder why you lied and destroy your credibility in court.
Police Do not Have the Power to Offer Plea Bargains
During police investigations, police often tell defendants that they will go easier them if they admit to a crime. The truth is that police do not actually have the power to make deals. Only the District Attorney has that authority. If you confess to the police, it will not do you any good.
It Is Difficult to Tell the Same Story Twice
It is not easy to tell the same story twice, even if you are completely honest. If you tell your story once to the police and once at trial, it is very likely that some details in your statement will change. The prosecutor will notice these changes and make it out like you are lying.
Mitigating Factors Could Get You a Lesser Charge
If you are guilty of a crime, there could still be mitigating factors that could get you a lesser charge. For example, if you were arrested for a DUI and the police officer was not properly trained to give breathalyzers, your charges could get reduced.
You Could Accidentally Provide an Incriminating Detail
If you are completely innocent and tell the exact truth, it is still possible to provide the police with an incriminating detail. For example, if you are charged with murder and tell the police that you did not get along with the victim, the police could see that as a motive for murder.
Talking to the police can severely hurt your case, so you should avoid doing it. You should never exchange words with the police unless your criminal attorney is by your side.
For more information, contact a local law firm, like Binsky Whittle lawyers.
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