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Rolando Cantu is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Rolando D. Cantu. He is committed to providing aggressive and high level legal representation—successfully defending clients charged with state and federal criminal offenses. He works on every case as a priority with personal attention, while prioritizing their needs. 

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What should you do if the police contact you?

December 3, 2022

What should you do if the police contact you?

Being contacted or suffering a police arresting can be confusing, scary, and frustrating all at the same moment. It’s important to remember that you have rights and there are steps you can take to help protect yourself. Below is a list of things to consider if you find yourself contacted by police officers.

What to do when the police want to talk to you

When a police officer wants to talk to you, maybe your main instinct is to try and talk your way out of the situation. However, you should be aware that the police may use anything you say against you in a court of law. It’s best to politely exercise your right to remain silent and seek legal advice before speaking with them further.


If the police contact you, the following are some tips on what to do if you are contacted by the police.

1. Remain calm and do not run away.

Police questioning is not the same as being arrested, so you have the right to remain calm and refuse to answer any questions.

Sometimes, police officers would make questions to confirm the details of your identity, such as your name, address and date of birth. You can answer these questions without incriminating yourself. If police officer's questions are oriented towards a possible criminal activity, you can invoke your right to remain silent.

2. Be polite and respectful.

Answering questions or engaging in an argument with the police will not help your situation. Remain polite and respectful, even if you feel like their behavior is inappropriate.

You can answer police questions in a polite, respectful manner while still asserting your rights.


However, in most cases, refusing to answer questions can result in a reasonable suspicion that you may be involved in a crime, which gives police officers the right to arrest and question you further. Remember this is not a criminal conviction, but it’s important to get legal advice if you are arrested.


Also, unless the police have probable cause or a search warrant, you do not need to give permission for them to search your home, car, or personal belongings. If they ask to enter your home without a warrant, politely decline their request and tell them to come back with a warrant.

3. Do not obstruct justice or lie to the police.

When you are going to answer a police officer's question, make sure that you tell the truth. Lying to a police officer during an investigation is considered a crime and can result in criminal charges, which are going to stay in your criminal record.


Also, do not interfere with the police while they are doing their job or try to hide or destroy evidence (if there is any). This is considered obstruction of justice and is also considered a crime.

4. You have the right to remain silent.

Is not necessary to answer a police officer’s question. If the police ask you questions, you can politely refuse to answer and tell them that you wish to remain silent. This is known as the “right to remain silent” and it is a constitutional right in the United States.


Usually, if you are arrested, the police will read you your Miranda rights, which inform you that anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You should exercise this right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense attorney or public defender.


Whether they are the local police officers, customs enforcement or any other law enforcement agency, this is how you can take to protect yourself when they want to talk to you. It is important to remember that, as a general rule, the police can use anything you say against you, so it is best to consult a lawyer before talking with them.

5. Do not resist arrest.

Let's say you or a family member are pulled over by the police because of a traffic violation, they ask you for your driver's license, registration, etc. Then the situation escalates. You should not physically resist arrest, even if you think that the officers are acting inappropriately or unlawfully. Doing so will only make the situation worse and can result in additional charges such as disorderly conduct or assault.


Instead, remain calm and comply with police instructions. Once you are arrested, you can inform the police that you wish to remain silent and contact a lawyer. You will have an opportunity during your arraignment hearing to explain what happened and why you believe the officers acted inappropriately.

If there is enough evidence that you were treated unfairly, the judge may drop some or all of the charges against you. Also, when it comes to other situations such as being detained because of being a suspect in a crime, you can get released if the police don't have proof, enough evidence or probable cause.


It is important to note that even when you comply with police instructions, there is the possibility that you may still be arrested. However, it is best to remain calm and comply with instructions until a lawyer can help explain your rights and provide advice on how to proceed.


If you do feel that your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the police department or contact an attorney to discuss your options.

As we mentioned before, you can politely decline to answer an officer's questions, so you don't have to answer questions asked by police officers. Some of the ways to do this are:


  • Stating that you don't wish to answer
  • Saying “I plead the fifth”
  • Asking for an attorney.
  • Simply remain silent
  • Non citizens can also say that they wish to contact their consulate.


According to the
Constitution, you have the right to remain silent. This means that you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers or anyone else if you don't feel comfortable doing so. You also can't be punished for refusing to answer questions. You can also refuse to sign any documents or make any statements without an attorney present.

Special considerations for minors

If you are a minor and the police approach you, it is important to remember that there may be additional considerations such as guardianship or parental permission. It is important that you check the laws in your state to understand what applies in your situation.


In any case, it is best to politely decline to answer any questions, tell the police that you wish to remain silent and contact a lawyer who can explain your rights and advise on the best course of action.


Finally, it is important to remember that police officers are there to protect and serve the public. However, if you feel that your rights are being violated or that the officers are acting inappropriately, it is important to get help from an attorney who can help you protect your rights.

Ask for a criminal defense lawyer

You should always request to have an attorney present when approached by police officers. If the police contact you, it is important to remain calm and be respectful. You should only speak to a lawyer before answering any questions and should not resist arrest. By following these tips, you can ensure that the encounter with the police goes as smoothly as possible.


At the Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we are committed to providing our clients with the best legal advice and representation. As an
experienced criminal defense lawyer, Rolando Cantu can help you understand your rights, defend your case, and make sure that you are treated fairly. If you have any questions or need legal help, contact us today for a free consultation.

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