3 Errors to avoid when under criminal investigation
Realizing that you are under investigation by the police or about to be arrested on criminal charges is naturally going to be worrying. Staying calm may be difficult in such circumstances, but doing so can help you avoid errors that could worsen your situation. Here are three important mistakes to avoid when you’re facing the potential of an arrest:
1. Talking too much
Police officers are trained to get information out of people. Innocent-seeming questions often pay significant dividends for them, and they can wear suspects down over time. It is always best to directly invoke your right to remain silent and then stop talking. Your words can be held against you, but your silence cannot.
2. Resisting arrest or fleeing
Suspects sometimes end up getting hurt when they try to evade arrest. A police officer may use more force against you because they feel (or claim they felt) an immediate threat. Car chases often end up in accidents, too – and, if you injure someone, you could face additional charges. If you flee or go into hiding before the police reach you, anyone who helps you could also face charges, so you might inadvertently cause friends or family legal problems.
3. Altering evidence
You could face the additional charge of tampering with evidence if the police discover you have tried to alter evidence or destroy it to hinder their investigation. In addition, the court can consider the destroyed evidence in the light most favorable to you, so you would accomplish nothing except to make your defense more difficult.
Knowing what to do and what not to do in this kind of situation can be challenging, so it is often wise to seek legal guidance to understand the potential implications of any action and to examine your defense options.