When people get a call from the police regarding a crime, they often get bamboozled into providing information. Police officers can usually choose whether to give someone a summons or arrest them for a crime. They use this power to get want they want – information. And, of course, they don't want this information to help the accused. This is a common police tactic in Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County. Let's take a minute to see what I mean.

Police Reward People Who Give Them Information

For example, just the other day I contacted a police officer in the Denver area about my client – I told him my client would no longer be speaking with the police since he had hired a lawyer. My goal for the phone call was to try to keep my client from being arrested – so I requested the officer provide a summons rather than make an arrest. The police officer told me he wouldn't pursue an arrest warrant, because my client had talked to him earlier. Now, this seems like a nice thing for the police officer to do, but it illustrates my point perfectly: The previous conversation with my client was so valuable to the prosecution, the police officer wanted to reward his behavior. That's a scary thought when you realize the police only want to convict you of a crime. They aren't looking for the truth.

Why Can't I Talk to the Police? I Have Nothing to Hide!

Many of my clients are innocent of the charges against them. So, they think it is fine to talk to the police, because the truth is on their side. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Because the police are looking for a conviction, not the truth, anything you say can and will be used against you. The Miranda Rights even warn you of this fact. A perfect example of this is a recent case where my client was facing Sexual Assault charges. I talked to the young man, and advised him to remain silent and not speak to the detective on the case. Unfortunately, he got a call from the police, who asked him how drunk the alleged victim in his case was. The young man couldn't see why telling the police she was really drunk would hurt his case, so he did just that. I explained they were trying to prove that she was too drunk to consent – especially since she was more drunk than he was that night. By talking to the police, the young man became a helpful prosecution witness against himself.

Tactics Used by the Police

The police are trained to gather information and evidence in criminal cases. The best evidence for the government during a trial is an admission or statement from the defendant in Adams, Douglas, and El Paso County. Their purpose is to get information to use against you in court. They aren't trying to find out what actually happened, like the police in your favorite TV show do. The police know the best way to get you to spill information is to pretend to be your friend. Police officers pretend to be on your side by utilizing the following tactics:

Open-Ended Questions

Using open-ended questions so you'll keep talking

On Your Side?

Pretending to be on your side

Agree With You

Agreeing with some things you say

Establish a Rapport

Tell you they don't believe your accuser

Many people talk to the police after they have been charged with a crime, thinking the police can help them. But, once charges are filed, the police can't do anything but gather evidence for trial. Unfortunately, people don't understand this and talk at length with the police to try and get out of the charges – to no avail.

Charged with a Crime? Why You Need a Defense Lawyer

The criminal justice system is extremely convoluted. Working with a lawyer is essential to protect your freedom and protecting your rights.

The criminal justice system is more convoluted than you can believe. The police will talk to you to gather evidence against you. They will misquote you. They will give you a reward for speaking to them, but it is a short-term reward such as a lower bond amount, or a summons instead of an arrest. But, in the long run, speaking to the police will damage you. When it comes to sex crime charges in Colorado, the defendant is treated as if they are guilty before they even go to trial. Don't stand alone – work with an expert criminal defense lawyer who will fight aggressively on your behalf to prove your innocence and get your case dismissed or work out a favorable plea agreement.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime and are receiving calls from the police, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced, Christian criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.