When interacting with law enforcement, knowing the right words to say can make a crucial difference in protecting your rights and avoiding self-incrimination. As Attorney Lane frequently advises clients, while it may feel intimidating to assert your rights, doing so clearly and calmly is essential. Here are the key phrases that can help protect you during police encounters.
“Am I free to go?”
This should be your first question whenever approached by police. If they say yes, calmly walk away. If they say anything else or are evasive, follow up with “Am I being detained?” This helps establish whether you’re in a voluntary conversation or being legally held.
“I am going to remain silent, and I want to speak to a lawyer.”
Attorney Lane emphasizes this as perhaps the most important phrase to remember. It clearly invokes both your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. After stating this, actually remain silent – don’t engage in casual conversation or try to explain yourself.
“I do not consent to this search.”
If officers attempt to search you, your car, or your belongings, clearly state that you don’t consent. While they may search anyway, verbally withdrawing consent can help protect your rights later in court. The legal team at Lane Law Office has successfully challenged numerous searches where clients clearly stated their non-consent.
“I am not resisting.”
If you are being arrested, clearly state that you are not resisting while following officers’ physical directions. This creates a record of your compliance and can help protect you from additional charges.
What Not to Say:
– Don’t answer questions about where you’re going or what you’re doing
– Don’t engage in casual conversation
– Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation
– Don’t lie – simply remain silent
– Don’t discuss your immigration status
– Don’t make statements about what happened
Remember that police are legally allowed to lie to you, but lying to them can result in criminal charges. They may try various tactics to get you to talk, including:
– Claiming they have evidence they don’t have
– Offering deals they can’t actually make
– Saying things will go easier if you cooperate
– Pretending to be on your side
The safest approach is to be polite but firm in asserting your rights while saying as little as possible. The phrases above communicate everything you need to say in most police encounters. Anything beyond that risks making your situation worse.
If you find yourself in a situation involving law enforcement, Lane Law Office is available to protect your rights. Attorney Lane has extensive experience defending clients in police encounters and can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Practice these phrases so they come naturally in stressful situations. While asserting your rights won’t guarantee how officers treat you in the moment, it creates important legal protections and helps prevent self-incrimination. Stay calm, be clear, and let your lawyer do the talking later. Contact Lane Law Office immediately if you need legal representation following a police encounter.