If you think you might be suspected by the police for any crime, we recommend that you choose to exercise your right to remain silent. Our recommendation is the same, for everyone in every situation. If you’re guilty don’t talk. If your innocent but have been accused don’t talk. If you’re something in-between or you aren’t sure, don’t talk.
You have an absolute right to remain silent. You never have to agree to answer questions, make a statement, explain yourself, or consent to any searches of anything. Exercising your right doesn’t necessarily make you look guilty (innocent people who know how the system works lawyer up at the first indication they are a suspect), and frankly you shouldn’t care how it looks. The goal is to prevent yourself from saying anything incriminating that could give the police the evidence they need to move forward with a case. Not talking to the police or exercising your right to remain silent is not evidence that can be used against you in court.
It is very easy to give the police some information when speaking to them that can later be used against you. Even if you don't admit to being guilty, just how you deny your involvement may be enough to charge you. You should also know that are police investigators have been trained in psychological interrogation techniques that heighten the risk of a false confession. It's called the Reid method, and it's in use throughout South Carolina. Read more here.
If you’re confronted by the police to remain silent all you have to do is just that. You can tell the police that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent. You should also add that you want an attorney (don’t worry if you don’t have one yet). If you’re starting talking to the police, or filling out a statement, you have a right to stop at any point. All you have to do is say you’ve decided to remain silent.
We also recommend you reach out for an attorney as soon as possible whenever you think that you might be suspected of a crime. Quick help can frequently make the difference between being arrested or not. If charges are inevitable, getting legal help early on can still maximize the chances of having a successful defense in court later on. Contact our lawyers at 1-888-301-6004. We offer formal representation prior to an arrest being made where our lawyers can help advise you on all your rights, help you deal with the police, and begin any other steps necessary to protect you.