What Do I Do if Police Want to Question Me?
So, you’re going about your day when suddenly you get a call, a knock at the door, or maybe a patrol car rolls up. The police want to “just ask you a few questions.”
Your stomach drops. Your mind races. What now?
Before you say a word, here’s what you need to know.
1. You Have the Right to Remain Silent – Use It
Movies and TV make it sound like you should “tell your side” right away. In reality, talking to the police without a lawyer present can be a huge mistake.
Anything, and believe that ANYTHING, you say can be twisted or taken out of context. You might think you’re explaining yourself, but you could actually be giving them evidence they didn’t have.
Bottom line: you’re not required to answer questions, and you shouldn’t – not until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
2. Ask If You’re Free to Go
If the police approach you, politely ask:
“Am I free to leave?”
If they say yes, go.
If they say no, that means you’re being detained – and you should stop talking except to say you want a lawyer.
3. Don’t Try to “Talk Your Way Out”
Many guys think they can smooth things over with charm or a good explanation.
The truth?
Detectives do this for a living. They’re trained to get people talking – and they can legally lie to you during questioning.
You’re not going to outsmart the system in that moment. Your smartest move is to stay calm, be respectful, and keep quiet until you’ve got legal backup.
4. Be Polite, Not Chatty
You don’t have to be rude or aggressive. Keep it simple:
- Don’t argue.
- Don’t volunteer information.
- Don’t joke around – sarcasm can read badly in reports.
A calm, respectful “I’d like to speak to my attorney” is the safest script you can follow.
5. Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
If police want to question you, it’s not random. Even if they say “you’re not in trouble,” you could be on their radar for something serious. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side from the start can mean the difference between a quick resolution and a long legal battle.
At Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys, we know how to deal with law enforcement, protect your rights, and keep you from accidentally making your situation worse.
The Takeaway
If the police want to question you:
- Stay calm.
- Ask if you’re free to leave.
- Don’t answer questions without a lawyer.
- Call us immediately.
You have rights – but only if you use them.
If law enforcement has reached out to you, call Blizzard and Zimmerman Attorneys right now before you say another word. Your future could depend on it.
