- You have a right to remain silent.
- Anything you say to anyone can and will be used against you.
- You have a right to have an attorney present to represent you.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one.
Whether the police officer tells you these rights or not, you should exercise them. It is best not to answer any questions from the police or talk to anyone until you have an opportunity to talk to an attorney. Being under arrest is an intimidating situation. You may think that if you answer the officer´s questions, he or she will let you go or the judge will be easier on you. This is not the case.
It is the officer´s job to collect evidence in support of the charges. If you do have information which can help your case, let an attorney help you decide how the information can best be used. If the police want to question you, tell them you want to call your attorney and you don´t want to talk to them until the attorney is present.