Thanks for joining us again for the wrap up of this discussion about the most important things you need to remember when dealing with Michigan law enforcement. As we pointed out in the last article, being arrested may be entirely out of your control, but there are a number of things you can control in that situation, and they can make a huge difference to your future. Let’s wrap up this list with the last (but not less important) five items…
6. Don’t break the law!
This goes without saying, but you’d be amazed at how many people do stupid things when they’re nervous, or angry, or feeling defensive. So if you’re talking to a police officer (or even just in view of an officer while they talk to someone else), don’t do anything illegal. Which brings us to the next item on the list:
7. Don’t run, or try to hide!
When the cops show up at your house with a warrant and a new pair of shiny bracelets for you, the last thing you want to do is hightail it out the back window or shimmy yourself up into the attic. Hiding from the cops when they’re looking for you only makes things worse when they finally find you (and they probably will!). And if they catch you unawares, don’t try to break free and make a run for it. Fighting an officer or trying to escape during an arrest is called Resisting and Obstructing an Officer and it’s seriously illegal! Sadly, here in Michigan, even the very slightest attempt to interfere with a police officer can get you convicted of resisting or obstructing.
8. Don’t touch the cops!
We cannot stress this enough. Don’t touch the cops for any reason, at any time. Don’t reach for a cop, don’t try to lay your hand on their arm, or touch any part of their body. Cops do a very dangerous job and they are on high alert whenever they interact with civilians. Add to that the fact that they’re armed and they will take you down without hesitation if they think you’re a threat to them in any way. So keep your hands to yourself. Also remember that lot of them wear body cams these days. You aren’t going to win a physical or verbal confrontation with a cop. Let your criminal defense lawyer do the fighting in a courtroom.
9. Don’t let them in without a warrant!
If an officer shows up at your door and wants to talk, or ask you questions about anything, don’t let them in. Although they usually need a warrant (or your permission) to open containers and look inside dresser drawers and cupboards, they could arrest you for anything they can see in plain sight that’s against the law. So why give them the chance to look around? Unless they have a warrant, let them tell you what they need to tell you on the front doorstep or through a window. Then go back inside and call your criminal defense attorney! The Kronzek Firm’s top rated criminal defense team is available to our clients 24/7 by calling 866-766-5245.
10. Don’t lie or keep secrets
One of the reasons we tell all our clients (and anyone who reads our blog) to keep their mouth shut is because we wouldn’t want you to say anything that could incriminate you. But silence is the only way to go when it comes to protecting yourself. Do NOT lie to the cops! Either tell them the truth, or tell them nothing at all, but don’t be dishonest. That will come back to bite you in the end, and can even lead to additional charges. So watch what you say, and make sure you’re not telling any lies, or ‘whitewashing’ the truth in your own favor. Our best advice is to shut up and lawyer up. Your lawyer can do the talking to the police much better than you can.
Make sure you do everything you can to protect your rights!
By following the tips in this list, like not saying anything to cops, and not waiving your rights, you’re taking steps towards protecting yourself. But one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your rights aren’t violated is to hire the best attorney you can afford. Why? Because an aggressive and hard working defense attorney can make all the difference in your case. Someone with a long track record of success can help you achieve the best possible results in your case. So call The Kronzek team right now 24/7 at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). We’re here to fight for you.