Realizing that you are the subject of a police investigation is a scary and overwhelming experience. The first and more important thing to do is reach out to a local Sugar Land criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help protect you throughout the process. Below is some further information about what you should and should not do if the police are investigating you in Fort Bend County, Texas.
Don’t Talk to the Police
You have the right to remain silent. Most people become aware that they are being investigated in Sugar Land when the police reach out to question them. If this happens to you, you must firmly and respectfully inform the law enforcement officers that you do not wish to speak without your attorney present. It is your constitutional right, and the police must respect it. Under no circumstances should you talk to the police alone. The easiest way for police to close a case is for the suspect to incriminate themselves.
It is a natural instinct to want to defend yourself, and most people have the urge to explain themselves to the police, especially if they think they are innocent. They believe that if they are cooperative, they will appear less guilty. You must fight this urge. Speaking to the police never helps; it only hurts. Anything you say can be used against you in court and invoking your constitutional right to remain silent cannot be used as evidence of guilt at trial.
You should not trust the police. The odds are that if you are the target of an investigation, your words will be twisted in a way that makes you appear guilty. During questioning, the police are trying to gather information to prove your guilt, not innocence. They are allowed to lie and threaten you to get this information. For example, they can lie about having video or DNA evidence or threaten more serious charges if you don’t confess. Once you start talking, it is very easy to fall into a trap. Usually, if you are being questioned but have not been arrested, it means that the police do not have enough information to charge you. The best thing you can do is not give them any more information.
Even though the police can lie, you are not afforded this right. Under no circumstances should you lie to the police. Lying can result in severe consequences when uncovered. You can be charged with obstruction of justice, and your credibility will be hurt if you end up in front of a judge or jury.
Don’t Consent to a Search
Police may unexpectedly show up at your home and ask to enter. It is important not to consent to a search of your home and willingly let the police enter. You have the right to privacy under the 4th amendment. In general, unless law enforcement shows up with a warrant, they cannot search your home in Sugar Land without your consent. In addition, you should not consent to a search of your car or other property.
Don’t Destroy Evidence
You should never destroy evidence. Don’t delete files, don’t flush drugs down the toilet, and don’t instruct someone else how to testify. If you destroy evidence, you can be charged with obstruction of justice. This is a serious crime that comes with severe punishments.
Call a Fort Bend Attorney
Above is a list of all the things you should not do when under investigation in Sugar Land, Texas. The number one thing that you should do is call an experienced criminal defense attorney. You should contact an attorney as soon as you are aware that you are being investigated. If the police are questioning you, you should make it clear that you will not make any statements in the absence of an attorney.
An attorney can advise you of your options, and together, you can decide your next steps. Getting an attorney involved early can significantly impact whether you end up charged with a crime. If you are charged, your attorney can work out the date and time of your surrender, so you are not held in jail overnight.
Your Sugar Land Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one is being investigated in Sugar Land, TX by the police, you should reach out to an experienced and client-focused Sugar Land criminal defense attorney. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will provide a skilled and aggressive defense. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.
