Is giving police a statement ever a good idea to share my side of the story? This is a question that many people wrestle with for one reason or the next. Even if you have never had a run-in with police, it is good to plan for what could happen in the future.

There is a big difference between cooperating with police and giving a statement. Remember, you need to do what you are told and act with respect towards all law enforcement officials. With that in mind, you are not obligated to give police a statement. Whether or not you do this is your decision.

Should I be Giving Police a Statement?

This is a difficult decision to make. For this reason, you don’t want to say anything until you have discussed your rights with a qualified and experienced attorney. Although you may feel pressured to make a statement to police during questioning, you have the right to remain silent for the time being and immediately contact an attorney.

While some people believe that never giving a statement is a good idea, this is not always true. There are situations in which you will be well served by giving your side of the story, speaking with police, and doing your best to explain what happened.

On the other hand, if you are a suspect of a crime, if the police believe you are an actor, remember one thing: any evidence that you turnover to law enforcement could be used against you in the future.

Since there is so much that can go wrong when giving a statement, especially if you are a suspect, it is critical to consult with an attorney who can point you in the right direction. Your legal team can give you advice on whether or not you should make a statement, what you should say, and how to cooperate with the investigation.

Don’t let the police tell you that you have to make a statement. This is not the law in the United States. You have the right to refuse, stating that you would first like to consult with an attorney.

If you are in the midst of a legal investigation and are attempting to determine what you should and should not say, contact our team of professionals at your earliest convenience. We can help you decide whether you should make a statement to police.