I Got a Call from a Police Officer Wanting to Talk about a Situation, What Do I Do? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

750+ Reviews On
I Got a Call from a Police Officer Wanting to Talk about a Situation, What Do I Do? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains

I Got a Call from a Police Officer Wanting to Talk about a Situation, What Do I Do?: Florida Criminal Defense Attorney Answers

If the police are calling you and want to talk to you about a situation, you want to call a criminal defense lawyer right away. Even if police say they only want a witness statement, you should still reach out to an attorney first. You can go from a “witness” to a criminal suspect very easily if you’re not careful.

We get this question very often, and no matter how friendly the officer may sound on the phone, we cannot stress enough that YOU DO NOT WANT TO SPEAK WITH POLICE. Don’t call the cops or detectives back until you have an attorney. Frankly, they are not your friend.

This might sound intense, but whether or not you were involved in the investigation they’re talking about in a criminal capacity or otherwise – you need an attorney to help you right away. You can simply tell the officer that you are asserting your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

If the officer keeps asking questions, or continues to try to pull information from you – you can just repeat that you’re using your right to remain silent and that all questions will need to be answered by your attorney. 

No matter what, whatever you say to the Florida police or law enforcement officer will be used against you. And cops will sometimes use shady tactics to get information out of you.

EXAMPLES of why Florida Police might call you:

For example, let’s say the cops call you regarding a domestic violence charge and you say:
“Yeah, I was there but he/she is making it all up to get custody of the kids.” 

Not a big deal, right? WRONG. Even a small statement like this does FAR more damage than you would think.

Your first mistake: You just admitted to police that you were there where an alleged domestic violence crime took place.
In every single criminal case, the prosecution is required to prove that you were at the scene of the crime — and you just did their job for them before they even officially charged you with any crime.

Your second mistake: You just limited your defense.
Stand Your Ground and self-defense laws in Florida are very defendant-friendly, but based on what you said (or even what you didn’t say) to the cop they may no longer be applicable to your case.

It’s impossible to know if  you’re making these critical mistakes if you don’t know the ins and outs of the law. Only an attorney will be able to help you fully protect your rights if the police want to question you. 

The Reason you Need a Criminal Attorney Immediately if Police Call You: Protect Your Rights

Your absolute best bet in any situation police are calling you for information, or as part of an investigation, is to call a criminal attorney.

 A good South Florida criminal defense attorney will make sure the police don’t trick you into giving up important information that will hurt you.  Also – anything your lawyer says to the cops CAN’T be used against you.

We can advocate on your behalf. In some cases we’ve been able to convince the officer to close out a case before our client is even arrested because we were able to prove to the police agency that the charge, allegation, evidence (etc) was unfounded. Getting criminal charges dropped before you’re ever arrested is an amazing benefit to you, your future, and your criminal record. 

If you don’t know all your rights or the ins and the outs of criminal law, talking to police is dangerous as you might give away vital information or lose defenses to your cases without even knowing it. A criminal lawyer knows what the police do and don’t need to know, and a good criminal defense attorney is fighting to PROTECT you. If Florida police are questioning you, even as a witness, they’re not trying to protect you.

Case Example: How BSO Detective Sherry Slagle-Grant Told our Client he was a Witness, but she was Actually Investigating him as a Criminal Suspect

Police often use misleading or manipulative tactics in order to trick people into giving up their right to remain silent. A recent example of this was when Broward County Sheriff’s Detective Sherry Slagle-Grant told our client she wanted to speak to him as a witness to a vehicular homicide case, when she really was targeting our client as a criminal suspect for the vehicular homicide case.

You can watch the video for more details, but essentially a detective tried to “trick” our client into speaking with her. Detective Slagle-Grant told our client that she wanted a witness statement, but in reality she was targeting him as a suspect in the criminal investigation. Thankfully, our client called us immediately so he never had to talk to Detective Sherry Slagle-Grant alone and we’re walking with him through this unfortunate event.

If he hadn’t hired us, Detective Slagle-Grant could have made this situation even more traumatic than it already is. Check out this blog for more details on her shady tactics.

The moment you’re contacted by a South Florida law enforcement officer – you should contact a criminal lawyer. It’s not fair, but it’s in your best interest. 

 

Police will approach you as a friend and say that you can ‘help them help you.’ But that’s always a lie because only a Florida state prosecutor or a federal prosecutor can help work out a “deal” for you. Even if the situation appears harmless, it is vital to protect your right to remain silent and to not talk with police without an attorney present.

What to do if you’ve been called by police in Florida:

While police obviously serve to protect, when you’re being investigated by police their main job is to protect the alleged victim and to find reason enough to charge you with a crime or to make an arrest. 

If you’ve been contacted by the police for information, about an investigation, or due to a suspected crime in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton – or anywhere else in  South Florida – call our office today for a FREE strategy session. 

If the police are already calling you, you don’t have that much time to spare. 

Call us: 754-206-6200

Learn more about our FREE Strategy Sessions: We listen to the whole story, hear everything you have to say, and then tell you how – based on your unique case – we’d fight to defend your rights and protect your future. 

Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation:

HOW WE GET INVOLVED DURING AN INVESTIGATION AND GET FLORIDA POLICE TO DROP THE CRIMINAL CASE

RELATED: How do I choose the right criminal defense attorney?

RELATED: What are my Miranda rights and my right to remain silent?

RELATED: Under investigation in South Florida? Here’s why you need an attorney before you’re arrested

I Got a Call from a Police Officer Wanting to Talk about a Situation, What Do I Do? Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
What to Expect at Your Free Initial Strategy Session with Rossen Law Firm
STEP1
We Listen to Your Story
STEP2
We Educate You
STEP3
We Create a Unique Defense Strategy
Schedule Your
Free Strategy Session

    750+ Reviews On
    Google Reviews
    kevin tabronkevin tabron
    00:07 08 Sep 22
    In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
    Jason HigleyJason Higley
    15:24 26 Aug 22
    I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
    Felix I HFelix I H
    13:27 28 Jul 22
    Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
    Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
    12:32 09 May 22
    I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
    Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
    20:27 23 Mar 22
    My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
    js_loader
    super-lawyers-2021
    500
    national-trial-lawyers
    national-association-distinguished-counsel
    florida-trends-legal-elite
    american-institute-criminal-law-attorneys
    rated-by-super-lawyers
    avvo-rating-superb-criminal
    avvo-rating-superb-dui
    av-preeminent
    av-preeminent-2017
    superior-dui-attorney
    american-assoc-attorneys
    rising-stars-serra-jovenich
    super-lawyers-rising-stars
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    How We Win
    Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
    DUI Charge Dismissed
    Federal Child Porn Possession
    Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
    Attempted Murder
    Charges Dismissed
    Types Of Cases We Handle

    Rossen Law Firm’s legal team understands what’s at stake when you’re charged with a crime in South Florida. We’re committed to defending you and protecting your rights. Our legal team is ready to create a customized strategy for your case to fight for the best possible outcome. We handle Criminal, DUI, Federal, Domestic Violence, Marchman Act & Baker Act cases, and more.

    See All Practice Areas
    Get Your Free Download Instantly
    The Client All Agree Rossen Law Firms’s 5- Stars Rated Attorneys
    Instant Download
    7 Reglas Que Necesitas Saber Para Sobrevivir A Un DUI en Florida
    EN ESTE REPORTE GRATIS DESCUBRIRAS EL ERROR #1 AL HACER LA PRUEBA DE SOBRIEDAD, LA VERDADERA RAZÓN PORQUE LA POLICÍA QUIERE ARRESTARTE Y MUCHO MÁS…
    Instant Download
    7 Rules You Need to Know to Survive a Florida DUI
    IN THIS FREE REPORT YOU’LL DISCOVER: THE #1 MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE ON THE FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS THE REAL REASON THE POLICE ARE DYING TO ARREST YOU… AND WAY MORE…
    Instant Download
    Florida Domestic Violence
    HOW WHAT HAPPENS IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT CAN HAVE TERRIBLE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED
    Instant Download
    Get Help Now
    Take a moment to fill out the form on this page to get in touch with us, and we will get back to you shortly.