While many movies and television shows dramatize police procedure for the entertainment of viewers, one aspect that many writers get right is the interrogation process. Though you may assume the classic “good cop, bad cop” routine that actors portray is a mere trope, this tactic, and many others, are often used when the police question a suspect. As such, if you are brought in for a formal interrogation in Texas, it’s critical to understand not only what you should expect during this interaction, but also your rights. The following blog explores these matters, as well as the importance of working with Houston criminal defense attorneys to help represent you during these difficult times.
What Can I Expect During an Interrogation?
An interrogation is a formal interview with police in which the officers have reason to believe you are involved in a crime. This differs from a non-custodial interview, in which someone may be brought in of their own volition to provide additional information to the officers. Because they are not under arrest, they are free to leave at any time, as their cooperation is voluntary. A custodial interrogation, on the other hand, generally means you are in police custody and, as such, you are required to remain with the officers.
The primary purpose of an interrogation is to question a suspect about their involvement in a crime to gather important information and facts. In some instances, the police may look to get a confession or obtain statements that incriminate you in the offense. As such, you can expect an intense and often intentionally confusing line of questioning regarding your alleged involvement in a criminal offense. The police will use different tactics like pretending to be sympathetic to your circumstances, asking leading questions, or even lying to you about uncovering incriminating evidence in the hopes of securing a confession.
What Are My Rights When Speaking to the Police?
Generally, an interrogation occurs after you’ve been arrested, during a criminal investigation, or following a search that has turned up evidence of a crime. When you are brought in for a formal interrogation, not an interview, you should be read your Miranda rights. Essentially, this informs you of your rights when interacting with the police.
The most important things to keep in mind are that you have the right to have an attorney present, as well as the right to remain silent. You should utilize both of these rights. As such, inform the officer that you would like to contact your lawyer, and then inform them that until you have spoken to your legal counsel, you are invoking your right to remain silent. This is critical, as it can help protect you from incriminating yourself or saying anything the police can manipulate to use against you.
As you can see, interacting with the police can be incredibly overwhelming. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney at Gonzalez Law Group to explore your legal options. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will work to protect your rights. Contact us today to learn more.