The average cop is a good person. You may be surprised to hear us say that, as Michigan criminal defense attorneys, but we really believe it. It’s been our experience as aggressive criminal defense lawyers who deal with law enforcement on a regular basis. Most cops are just regular people doing a very hard job at a time in history when there’s very little recognition for their efforts and very little gratitude from the communities they serve. And like people in all professions, the quiet majority of good cops get no media recognition at all, while the small percentage of “bad apples” in the bunch get a lot of press time, making the rest of them look bad as well.
Some cops are focused on one outcome, and one outcome only!
You have to remember however that while they might be good people and even good officers, it doesn’t change the facts about their professional purpose. Cops have one job – to solve crimes and to do that as quickly as they can. The average officer is under a lot of pressure to close as many cases as possible, as fast as possible. This means that getting results (even if they’re wrong) and getting them quickly, is of paramount importance. And as criminal defense attorney John English says, “A rush to justice often means mistakes. And mistakes can lead to wrongful convictions.” Have you ever been wrongfully accused of something?
If you’ve been accused, be sure to make smart choices from the start!
If the cops show up with a warrant for your arrest or ask you to come and “have a chat” with an investigator, it’s important that right from the get-go you’re making proactive choices. For example, remember that losing your temper isn’t going to help you. In fact, it might even make things worse. So no matter how angry you get, or how unreasonable the cops seem, don’t bust their chops. Don’t threaten them, call them names, try to fight with them, or resist arrest in any way. Be polite, cooperate, and most importantly, SHUT UP until we get there! Lawyer up.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a great attorney ASAP!
We aren’t kidding about the whole “shut up” thing. Believe it or not, that’s one of the most important things you can do to help yourself and your attorney. Cops are trained in all sorts of ways to get you to answer their questions and incriminate yourself. Many will do whatever it takes. They’ll try informal conversation, buddying up to you and sympathizing with your “plight”, and even lying to you. They’ll try pressuring you, playing “good cop/bad cop” with you, and changing the subject often so as to keep you confused and on edge. Whatever it takes to get you to talk. And that’s the last thing you should do!
Getting your lawyer in the room as fast as possible is imperative!
The United States Constitution says you have a right to remain silent, and you have a right to an attorney. (You’ll probably recognize these as your “Miranda rights”.) They are 100% real rights and you absolutely should invoke them! Don’t say a word! As soon as you’re arrested or even just accused by the cops, call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245. Our aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorneys have spent decades providing quality defenses for people accused of crimes all over Michigan’s lower peninsula. If you’re in trouble and need legal help, we’re available 24/7 and we can be right there at your side when you need us most, protecting your rights and helping you make quality decisions in defense of your future. We’re on call 24 / 7 at 866 7NoJail.