Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
If the police ask to speak with you, it’s natural to feel nervous — even if you haven’t done anything wrong. Maybe they say you’re not a suspect, or that they just need a few minutes of your time. But before you agree to talk, ask yourself this: why are the police talking to you in the first place? Whether you’re being asked to come down to the station, answer a few questions at your home, or just “clear something up,” the safest response is to speak with a criminal defense attorney first.
In Chicago and across Illinois, you have the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. Those rights aren’t just for people under arrest. They apply the moment the police start asking questions about a crime. If officers want to question you, it’s because they’re looking for information that may help them build a case — and anything you say could be used against you later.
Why Police Want to Talk to You
There are many reasons police might ask to speak with someone. You might be:
- A potential witness to a crime
- A person of interest or under investigation
- A suspect they’re trying to gather evidence against
- Someone who knows others involved in a criminal case
Even if the officer says you’re not in trouble, that can change quickly. You could say something innocent that’s misunderstood, misquoted, or taken out of context. What starts as a conversation could become the basis for charges.
In many cases, police already suspect you’re involved. Questioning is their chance to get a confession or statement that supports their case. They may downplay the seriousness of the situation to get you talking — but make no mistake, they are trained to get information. That’s why it’s never a good idea to talk to police without having a lawyer present.
What You Say Can Be Used Against You
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” That’s not just a line from TV — it’s the truth. When you talk to police without a lawyer, you risk giving them statements that can hurt you later, even if you’re completely innocent. Officers may write down your words differently than you intended. They may misunderstand your tone or ask leading questions designed to confuse you.
Even small inconsistencies can be used to suggest you’re lying or hiding something. And once you’ve spoken to police, it’s very difficult to undo the damage. That’s why smart people — even innocent people — refuse to answer police questions without a lawyer.
The Power of Saying ‘I Want a Lawyer’
The moment police begin questioning you about a crime, you have the right to request an attorney. You can say something as simple as, “I want to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.” Once you make that request, the police are supposed to stop questioning you. If they continue, any answers you give may be inadmissible in court.
Asking for a lawyer is not an admission of guilt. It’s your constitutional right. Police might act like you’re making things worse or suggest that asking for an attorney makes you look guilty — but don’t fall for that. Asserting your rights is one of the smartest things you can do.
Police Don’t Have to Be Honest With You
It may come as a surprise, but police officers are allowed to lie during questioning. They can say they have evidence they don’t really have. They can say someone else already talked. They can pretend to know more than they do, all to pressure you into talking. This is completely legal under current Illinois and federal law.
Having an attorney present protects you from these tactics. Your lawyer knows how to handle police interviews, how to shut down inappropriate questions, and how to make sure your rights aren’t being violated. You’ll never regret having a lawyer in the room — but you might regret talking without one.
You Don’t Have to Go to the Station Without a Lawyer
Police may ask you to “come in and talk” or say they just need a quick statement. You are not required to go with them unless they have a warrant or you’re under arrest. If they say you’re free to leave, then you don’t have to go. If they say you’re not under arrest but still want to question you, that’s your cue to call a lawyer.
Going to the station without legal counsel puts you in a vulnerable position. You’ll be in a controlled environment where officers can ask leading questions and try to get you to say something that fits their narrative. Having a criminal defense attorney ensures someone is looking out for your interests from the very beginning.
What an Attorney Can Do for You
A criminal defense lawyer does more than just show up at trial. From the first moment police contact you, your attorney can step in and protect your rights. They can speak to law enforcement on your behalf, advise you on whether to answer questions, and help you avoid self-incrimination.
If you’re innocent, your lawyer can present that case in a way that doesn’t expose you to unnecessary risk. If you’re under investigation, your attorney can guide you through each step and help prevent you from being charged — or build a strong defense if charges are filed.
Most importantly, a lawyer keeps the police honest. With an attorney in the room, officers know they have to follow the law. You won’t be misled, intimidated, or pushed into saying something that could hurt you.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Too many people wait until they’ve been charged to call a lawyer. But by then, they’ve already spoken to police and possibly given damaging statements. Getting an attorney involved early — at the first sign that police want to talk — gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and your future.
Even if you think the issue is minor, or that cooperating will make things go away, you should still speak with a defense attorney first. You have nothing to lose — and everything to gain — by protecting yourself.
Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Before Speaking to Police
If police have contacted you or asked to speak with you about a criminal investigation, don’t take chances. Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg immediately. We offer free consultations 24/7 and have defended clients throughout Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County. Call (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 to get the legal protection you need — before it’s too late.
