If the police ask you to come down to the station, it’s important to know if it’s a request or an order. Unless you’re under arrest or served with a subpoena, you are not legally obligated to go. If you are unsure whether you’re being requested or ordered, you can politely ask the officer to clarify.
It’s understandable to feel nervous about interacting with the police. They have the power to arrest you. If you’ve received a request to come to the station and you feel uncomfortable about doing so, hire a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to accompany you.
Why Might the Police Ask You to Come to the Station?
There are several reasons why the police might ask you to come to the station:
- They want to question you about a crime
- They need your witness statement about an incident
- They want to inform you about a situation involving you or a family member
- They’re conducting a follow-up investigation
Understanding the potential reasons can help you decide how to respond to the request. Remember, you have a right to decline unless you’re under a legally binding order to go to the station.
If you have no reason to believe that you are under suspicion for a crime, then you may feel safe going to the station. Yet you should always remember the police can change their mind about whether you’ve committed a crime.
Even if you get released without charges, an arrest will put a mark on your criminal record and interrupt your life. Make sure to protect yourself if you decide to go. Hire a lawyer first if you suspect you may be arrested.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
What Should You Do if You Decide to Go to the Station?
If you choose to go to the station, here are some important steps to take:
- Inform someone of your whereabouts and the reason for your visit. Should you get arrested, they can let others know your situation.
- You can ask if you’re free to leave at any time. If they say you are under arrest or being detained, then you will have to stay until they let you go.
- Remain calm and polite, but remember your right to remain silent.
- Don’t volunteer information beyond what you’re specifically asked.
- Consider requesting an attorney before answering questions.
What Are the Potential Risks of Going to the Station?
While cooperating with the police might seem like the right thing to do, there are potential risks to consider:
- Anything you say can be used as evidence in a criminal case
- You might unintentionally incriminate yourself
- The police might use interrogation techniques to get information from you
If the police start asking questions that could incriminate you, you have the right to remain silent. Simply say, “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent,” and then request to speak with an attorney before answering further questions. You do not have to be under arrest to use your Miranda rights.
The police are legally required to let you go unless they arrest you. This can happen if the police believe they have probable cause to arrest you.
What if the Police Threaten Consequences for Not Coming to the Station?
Remember, police cannot legally punish you for exercising your constitutional rights. If they threaten consequences, ask if you’re being placed under arrest. If not, then you still have a right to decline to come.
However, if you are threatened with consequences for not coming to the station, you’ll want to speak with a lawyer immediately for advice. The police may think you have something to hide and may try to get a warrant for your arrest.
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How Can a Lawyer Protect Me?
It’s advisable to have a lawyer present when answering police questions, especially if:
- You’re suspected of a crime
- You’re unsure about your rights
- The situation could potentially incriminate you
A lawyer can help protect your rights and advise you on how to respond to questions. If you are arrested with a lawyer present, they can immediately begin work on your case to defend you against whatever the police believe you’ve done.
They can also ensure the police respect your constitutional rights by being present during questioning. If the police begin to threaten or intimidate you, you’ll have a witness to what happened and someone who knows the laws. Improper police procedures can be grounds for throwing out a case.
Contact Simmrin Law Group for Further Help
If the police have asked you to come down to the station and you’re unsure about whether to go, contact the Simmrin Law Group for help. Even if the police only want to seek information about someone else, what you say could be used against you and could lead to your arrest.
Make sure you have legal counsel at your side. It is your right to be represented even if you’re not under arrest. As a criminal defense firm, we have extensive experience dealing with the police and their tactics for questioning people in these cases.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form