Do I Need a New York Criminal Defense Attorney During a Police Interview?

If you are being interviewed by the police as a suspect in a criminal investigation in New York, it is crucial to understand that having a criminal defense attorney present is not just advisable, but it is your right. This attorney is there to protect your rights and ensure that you are not unfairly incriminated.

Our Albany criminal defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC realize that advice may seem self-serving because we are defense lawyers. Still, even if you do not partner with our law firm, having an attorney present during law enforcement questioning can mean the difference between protecting your rights and incriminating yourself.

This is true, even if you did not commit the crime you are being questioned about. Here’s why.

Law Enforcement Officers are Generally Permitted to Use Deceptive Tactics During Criminal Investigations

Law enforcement has a tricky way of getting information about potential suspects. In some cases, they may call your conversation an interview and lead you to believe they are talking to you as a witness or to gain any knowledge of the events and any other relevant details that may assist in the investigation.

Other times, they may say the interview is designed to exclude you from the investigation. Chances are, neither is true.

If that doesn’t work, they may:

• Adopt a sympathetic or understanding demeanor to encourage you to open up or disclose information voluntarily.
• Claim to have evidence linking you to the crime, even if such evidence does not exist or is weaker than suggested, to elicit an admission or confession.
• Suggest that cooperating or confessing will result in more favorable treatment by law enforcement or the prosecution, even if this is false.

Our Albany County criminal defense attorneys can help you understand the potential consequences of speaking to the police and protect your constitutional rights during the interview.

How Can an Albany Criminal Defense Attorney Protect My Rights During a Police Interview?

Our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Albany can provide legal advice and guidance on responding to police questions. We can help you understand the potential implications of your statements and advise you on what information to disclose to the police.

Without legal representation, you may inadvertently say something incriminating or provide information that could be used against you in the case’s investigation or prosecution. We can help you avoid making statements that could harm your defense or weaken your position.

Having our New York criminal defense attorney present during a police interview can help ensure that you are treated fairly and that your rights are respected throughout the process. We can also intervene if we believe the police are using improper or coercive tactics during the interview and stop the conversation from proceeding. You are free to go without proof that you were involved in a crime.

As your attorney of record, law enforcement must direct any further questioning or communication through our law office rather than directly engaging with you as their investigation continues.

Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been asked to report to a local police station to speak with police, you have rights, including the right to remain silent and legal representation. Contact our Albany criminal defense attorneys at O’Brien & Eggleston PLLC today by calling (518)-391-2369 or online to ensure your rights are protected from the start, including as early as police questioning. We have a strong track record of producing real results for our clients. Allow us to pursue a positive outcome for your case, too.