What Should I Do if I Have Been Contacted by Law Enforcement?

Criminal Law

When a detective is conducting an investigation, they will reach out to anyone they believe may have been involved in the incident or have information that could be useful. This is commonly done with a simple phone call. If you are contacted by law enforcement, the most important thing to remember is that absent a court order, you have no obligation to cooperate with the officer or detective. Another important thing to keep in mind is that law enforcement will often say that they are just trying to get your side of the story, when they are actually trying to gather all the evidence they need to arrest, charge, and convict you of a criminal offense.

Whether you are being contacted as the target or an investigation or as a potential witness, it is always wise to speak to an attorney before proceeding with speaking to law enforcement. You should be polite and respectful and inform the law enforcement agent that it is not your intention to be uncooperative, but that you need to first speak with a defense attorney about the situation.

Many people do not answer phone calls from phone numbers they do not recognize so the detective will usually leave a message requesting a call back. If you receive such a voicemail, you should contact an attorney right away. The best time to get an attorney on board is before you become involved in a criminal court case. Your attorney will be able to help you accurately evaluate the situation and explain your options as well as the risks and potential consequences of those options.

An Attorney Can Help if You are Contacted by Law Enforcement

Depending on the specifics of the situation, it may be wise to retain an attorney to help you handle your investigation. A skilled lawyer could represent you in connection with the investigation and intervene between you and law enforcement. Typically, an attorney will be able to speak to the detective and obtain further details about the investigation as well as your role in the matter. Armed with this additional information, you could be better equipped to decide whether it is in your best interests to cooperate with law enforcement. If you choose to speak with law enforcement, your attorney could present with you while you are questioned and ensure your rights are protected.

If you have been contacted by law enforcement, call the BK Law Group today for your free consultation.