Denver, CO asked in Criminal Law for Colorado

Q: What do i need to if i get called by a detective in a case about myself?

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3 Lawyer Answers
Mr.  H. Michael Steinberg
PREMIUM
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Greenwood Village, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: This is a question that is asked often - NEVER EVER EVER call the Detective back without consulting with a criminal defense lawyer. If the officer reaches you - tell him or her you want a lawyer and will have the lawyer call that officer back after you have had a consultation. Don't even ask what the matter is about - it may cause you to start a conversation that may introduce facts that will later be used against you in a criminal case.

This approach will feel clearly unnatural to you and counter intuitive - but it is critical that you protect yourself from your own need to "tell your side of the story." Trust me.

Sean Maye agrees with this answer

Mr.  H. Michael Steinberg
PREMIUM
Mr. H. Michael Steinberg pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Greenwood Village, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: This is a question that is asked often - NEVER EVER EVER call the Detective back without consulting with a criminal defense lawyer. If the officer reaches you - tell him or her you want a lawyer and will have the lawyer call that officer back after you have had a consultation.

Don't even ask what the matter is about - it may cause you to start a conversation that could lead to the disclosure of certain facts that will later be used against you in a criminal case.

This approach will feel clearly unnatural to you and counter intuitive - but it is critical that you protect yourself from your own need to "tell your side of the story." Trust me.

Sean Maye
Sean Maye
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Denver, CO
  • Licensed in Colorado

A: Mr. Steinberg is correct. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you EVER speak with a Detective without first consulting with a lawyer and without requesting that a lawyer be present for any and all conversations with law enforcement. You have this right under the 5th Amendment and most criminal cases only result in arrest/prosecution after someone unwittingly admits to things that they would not otherwise said. Call an attorney ASAP.

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