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Valrico Criminal Defense Attorneys – Right to Remain Silent

Jail Bars and Cuffs 2009_jpg_475x310_q85This is one of the most common questions posed to Valrico criminal defense attorneys. It seems as though it’s a natural inclination for people to want to tell their side of the story and hopefully see some sort of positive benefit from being honest about the situation. Out of the thousands and thousands of criminal cases I’ve worked, I have never seen anyone ever talk the police out of arresting them once they’ve made that decision. Once the police have decided to begin asking questions about the facts of the case in the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime, it is simply too late to talk yourself out of the arrest. Our Valrico criminal defense attorneys have never seen anyone talk their way out of a crime per se. Ultimately, at that point you are simply strengthening the state’s case. For example I’ve seen cases where individuals will speak about the length of their relationship with their boyfriend or girlfriend, which seems to be innocent enough. After they’ve been charged with the crime, they may argue they didn’t know the person for that long. At trial the state now has a statement from them concerning how long they’ve know the other person how long they’ve been dating, how they met, where they lived etc. The most innocent statements to law enforcement can be used against someone at trial and argued by skillful prosecutor to the jury.

This is why the majority of Valrico criminal defense attorneys strongly advise their clients to retain counsel before making any statements to law enforcement concerning investigation. You have a constitutional right to have an attorney present during such questioning, and you should use it. As defense attorneys, we will ensure that once questioning goes beyond anything that could benefit you in any way, questioning will stop due to your constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

While we can appreciate people’s instinct and understanding that they tell their side and the police will understand it and hopefully not charge them. This is simply not how things work in the real world.

If you or someone you know is being questioned by police for a criminal incident, contact the Valrico criminal defense attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation. We will discuss the implications of statements made to law enforcement, how they’ll be used against you in trial and most importantly, your constitutional rights concerning not speaking to law enforcement and incriminating yourself. If you would like to contact one of our Valrico criminal defense attorneys immediately, please use to “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of our website.  We look forward to discussing the matter with you in assisting you in defending you in your criminal matter.