Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, it is important that you contact our office immediately. Even if you have not been charged yet, if you believe that charges may be forthcoming, contact one of our attorneys. Any type of criminal conviction can leave lasting scars on your future. Whether it is on the employment front, school admissions front, or professional licensure front, having certain types of convictions can seriously inhibit your future. They can also damage your reputation and prohibit you from obtaining certain types of loans, benefits, and employment. These are only some of the reasons why it is imperative that you have one of our experienced attorneys represent your interests and make sure that your constitutional rights are being preserved.
If you feel that you are being accused of a crime, do not speak any further. Provide that officer or law enforcement agent with only your name and address, and state identification card. Inform him or her that you do not wish to make any statements without the presence of your attorney. Do not forget that law enforcement officers have a job to do. That job often involves arrests and reporting to prosecuting officials. Avoid the misconception that you can say the right thing to make the officers go away. Even innocent statements can be used against you later in court to establish a case against you, or impeach your subsequent statements. Michigan’s rules of evidence, specifically on hearsay, often prohibit your defense attorney from introducing those innocent statements in support of your defense. Also, when many of our clients are talking to police, it is often shortly after a traumatic event. Our clients are stressed and may not be thinking clearly. The mere presence of police is often a stressful event on the ordinary person. These stressors lead to a mistake of words or inaccurate statements. These are just a few of the reasons why it is important for you to utilize your constitutional right to remain silent. You should not make any statements until you have had the advice of counsel, and your attorney advises you otherwise.
There is a time and a place for arguing your case. This time and place is not in the streets shortly after an incident. Do not argue with the officers about what happened, you should not be making statements at all. If you do argue with them, remember, they have a lot of other friends (officers) who would be glad to come and assist their friend, you must stop at once. This is only going to end up with you in a cell. The arguing should be done later by your attorney. We can file motions, demand hearings and hold people accountable. Be courteous and polite to the police, but firm in your statement that you wish to remain silent.
