There is a chance that Texas police may one day want to talk to you as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. This may be true even if authorities have no reason to believe that you actually committed a crime. In some cases, it may be in your best interest to consent to an interview. However, you also have the right to decline the chance to speak with authorities.
What to keep in mind if you do choose to speak to the police
It’s important to note that anything that you say may be used against you at some point in the future. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that authorities are permitted to use interrogation strategies aimed at getting you to say things that may incriminate others. In the event that you agree to talk to the authorities, it may be in your best interest to have a lawyer present during an interview or interrogation.
What happens if you choose not to talk with the authorities?
You cannot be charged with a crime simply because you refuse to talk to a police officer. In fact, you may actually increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case by saying nothing to anyone other than your criminal defense advocate. This is because staying quiet may deprive authorities with key evidence needed to charge you or anyone else connected to your case.
Don’t lie to the police
If you are going to speak with authorities, it’s important to be as honest as possible. This is because lying to police is generally considered to be a crime, and you may be at an elevated risk of being charged with a violation of state or federal law if your lie impedes a police officer’s efforts to apprehend a person of interest.
Regardless of what the police say, you do not have to say anything regarding an ongoing investigation. In the event that you are compelled to speak against your will, any evidence that is obtained as a result of an illegal conversation might be dismissed.
