Being confronted by law enforcement as a suspect is far from an ideal situation. Such an occurrence can be very distressing, especially for those with no previous experience.
You may be appalled at being identified as a suspect, meaning that you do everything in your power to plead your innocence, but this could do more harm than good. While you should refrain from being rude and aggressive, it could be to your detriment if you say too much to a police officer. Outlined below are some of the key reasons why this is the case.
Your truth is not always the truth
It may come as a surprise, but even when you are being totally honest, you don’t always get the facts right. If someone asks you what you were doing yesterday and at what time, it isn’t easy to answer perfectly. Police officers might ask you about events that happened days, weeks or months ago. If you provide them with answers that later turn out to be untrue, a narrative could be created that you have been dishonest.
The gap in experience
As a law-abiding citizen, you are unlikely to have faced a police interrogation before. Even if you have made mistakes in the past, law enforcement is far more acclimatized to interview situations. They are highly trained in interview techniques and they will be fully aware of what they need to secure a conviction. Under duress and an intense desire to go home, you may inadvertently give them what they need to strengthen their case and weaken yours.
Being convicted of a criminal offense can have a life-altering impact. The reality is that you could end up in jail for something you didn’t do. Having a firm understanding of your legal rights in Texas will protect you from this prospect.