Articles Posted in Police Questioning

Introduction You’re sitting in a small, windowless room at the police precinct. The detective sits across from you, slides a thin file folder across the table, and says: “We found your DNA at the scene, and your buddy in the next room just signed a confession pointing the finger directly at you. If you come…

Introduction We’ve all seen it in movies and on TV a thousand times: the handcuffs click, the officer pushes the suspect into the backseat of a cruiser, and recites that iconic line: “You have the right to remain silent…” Because of pop culture, millions of people believe that if an officer arrests you in real life…

Introduction It is a phone call that every parent dreads. Your child was cornered by an officer at school, on the street, or at a friend’s house, and questioned about a crime. Your immediate reaction is total outrage: “How can they talk to my underage kid without calling me first? Isn’t that illegal?” Most parents…

Introduction Most people believe that if a police officer asks you a direct question, they are required to tell you the truth in return. We expect the law to play by a certain set of rules. But when it comes to a criminal investigation, that expectation will get you sent straight to jail. In Tennessee,…

Introduction When someone you love is getting pulled over, questioned, or arrested, your natural instinct is to step in and protect them. You want to explain things to the officer, film what’s happening, or tell your friend to stop talking. But there is a razor-thin legal line between exercising your constitutional rights and committing a…

Introduction One of the most common statements detectives make is: “You’re not a suspect.” Or: “We just want to hear your side of the story.” Or my personal favorite: “You’re not in any trouble.” If you’re hearing those words, your guard is probably coming down. That’s exactly why you should be careful. The Short Answer…

Introduction A detective calls and says: “If you’re telling the truth, you’ll take a polygraph.” Or maybe: “This is your chance to clear your name.” Many people immediately think: “I’m innocent. Why wouldn’t I take it?” That may be one of the biggest mistakes you can make during a criminal investigation. The Short Answer In…

Introduction I hear this all the time: “David, I didn’t do anything wrong. Why wouldn’t I talk to the police?” It’s a fair question. In fact, it’s one of the most common misconceptions in criminal law. Many innocent people believe that talking to the police will clear everything up. Unfortunately, that’s not always how criminal…

Introduction A police officer starts asking questions. You politely respond: “I don’t answer questions.” Can you be arrested for that? This is one of the biggest fears people have when dealing with law enforcement. Many people know they have the right to remain silent. What they don’t know is how that right works in the…

Introduction You’re walking down the street. A police officer approaches and says: “You look suspicious.” Can police legally stop you? Can they detain you? Can they demand answers? This question comes up constantly — and the answer depends on one important legal concept. The Short Answer No. Police cannot legally detain you simply because they…