How to Deal With Police
Detained or approached by police in Ohio
The lawyers at the Ohio criminal defense law firm of Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. understand it can be overwhelming and intimidating to be approached or detained by a police officer. Whether you committed a criminal offense or not, your legal rights deserve to be protected and the experienced and skilled the criminal defense attorneys of Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. will aggressively fight for you.
What not to do if approached by police
It’s never a good thing to be approached or detained by a police officer who is investigating or accusing you of a crime. But if this happens, it is important to remain calm and make the proper decisions. At the outset, you must understand that the police will often act and react based on your behavior. If you attempt to flee, they will certainly chase you. If you are rude, obnoxious, or hostile, they will respond in the same manner. It is impossible to anticipate every scenario, but there some basic guidelines to consider:
- Don’t attempt to run or flee. You will certainly be caught, and likely charged with additional crimes. And fleeing can be interpreted as a guilty conscious.
- You do not have to answer specific questions about any alleged criminal behavior. Remember you can always exercise your right to remain silent. If you have any question about what you should say, you should ask to speak with an attorney immediately.
- In the event of a car stop, you should be able to provide identification and basic paperwork (insurance and registration). It’s helpful to have this information readily available.
- Be aware that anything you are doing or saying is likely being recorded by video and/or audio. In other words, assume that your conduct, behavior, and statements can be reviewed later in court.
Keep in mind, police officers are trained for the worse case scenario whenever they approach or pull someone over. Don’t give them any reason to believe you are a potential threat to them because if they feel they are in any amount of danger they will arrest you right there on the spot. In this day and age, cell phones are commonplace. Officers will often permit you to call an attorney to seek advice. It’s always best to communicate with an attorney before you make any significant statements or commit to any course of action. Your decisions at this early stage can alter the outcome of a case.
Contact an Ohio criminal defense lawyer
If you have been approached or detained by an Ohio police officer and are unsure if your rights have been violated, contact the Ohio criminal attorneys at Yavitch & Palmer Co., L.P.A. to discuss the details of your legal situation. We welcome the opportunity to apply our legal skills to your case and offer the legal options that best fit your needs. To schedule your initial consultation please call us at 614-224-6142 or fill out our online contact form.
