Do you need an attorney to speak to police?

Recently our office has had several legal advice calls of individuals wondering if they need an attonrey to speak to the police. You do not NEED to have an attorney present with you when you speak to police but it is your RIGHT and you should protect every right you have when dealing with the police. You have certain rights when you are speaking with the police including the right to not speak to the police at all. You also have the right to have an attorney present. Our office always advises someone to have an attorney present anytime they are speaking with the police. There are questions you may not wish to answer or you may have legal questions while you are making your statement. Once you make a statement, it can (and uaully will) be used against you later in court. By protecting your rights, and having an attorney present you will make sure that you do not make any statements that will harm your case in the future.