If you have ever watched a TV show or movie about someone accused of a crime, you probably know that you have the right to an attorney after the police arrest you. Knowing about your rights and understanding when to assert them are two different things.
Some people worry that asking for a lawyer might make them look guilty, so they delay getting the help they need. In reality, asking for legal representation has no implications about your involvement in a crime. It just means that you understand your rights and don’t want the police to trick you. How do you know when it is time to ask for a lawyer?
When the police place you under arrest
Once police arrest you and transport you for holding, you are in a vulnerable position. They will try to develop a rapport to trick you. They might pressure you into speaking or make you think that you’ll get let go more quickly if you cooperate.
Asking for a lawyer as soon as you learn that the police will arrest you will prevent them from trampling on your rights during that process. If they try to question you or pressure you without letting you contact an attorney, that could hurt their case later if they charge you with a crime.
When the police want to ask you questions
You don’t have to be under arrest for the things you say to cause legal problems. Police may ask you questions related to an offense hoping to get you to contradict yourself or otherwise make yourself look guilty so that they have a reason to arrest you.
You can answer questions to assist with a criminal investigation without putting yourself at risk if you have an attorney present. If the police want to speak with you, you can ask to schedule a sit-down discussion in the presence of your attorney in the near future.
Asking for an attorney has no implications on the possible charges against you, but it could protect you from doing something that makes you look guilty or makes it easier for the state to prosecute you. Understanding your right to request an attorney and knowing when to invoke it can help you avoid hurting your own criminal defense.