Articles Posted in Police Questioning

Sometimes. "You're not under arrest" is not the same sentence as "you're free to go," and only one answers your question. Tennessee sorts police contact into three kinds: a conversation you may end, a detention you may not, and an arrest. You can be held and still not be under arrest. And there is a…

No. You can stop answering questions at any moment — including in the middle of a sentence. Nothing about answering the first ten questions obligates you to answer the eleventh. Talking is not a door that locks behind you. Say Out Loud That You Are Done Do not hint, trail off, or go quiet and…

No. A card under your door is an invitation, not an order. A detective can ask you to call. You are not required to. A number written on a card carries no more force than a number written on a napkin. Understand What the Card Actually Means Someone wants a statement from you — and…

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…