Dealing With Colorado Police
We measure our success by the success of our clients.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. It is wise to talk to a lawyer before talking to police. Many officers are fine and trustworthy people. Nevertheless, decision making in the law enforcement system is a complex affair and there is much more involved than the officer you are dealing with. You are simply not in a position to know how your words could be misinterpreted. Most people are not very careful with the words they choose and this leads to trouble when they do not say exactly what they mean. A few words can be everything when a situation involves one person’s word against another. It is possible to be friendly and cooperative with police while insisting on making a call to an attorney before agreeing to discuss matters. Remember your right to remain silent.
In DUI cases, a refusal to cooperate in completing roadside sobriety maneuvers can result in at least one year’s revocation of a driver’s license. Cooperation with roadside sobriety tests does not require you to speak to the police about your situation or answer any detailed questions. Choosing to speak with police is a separate matter from cooperation with roadside sobriety tests.
In sexual assault and other investigations, police investigators are trained in a variety of interrogation techniques. Many of these techniques involve forms of subtle deception. If you decide to answer the questions, think them through and answer slowly and deliberately. Make sure you understand the question and make your meaning clear as you answer. Remember that you have the right to remain silent and can stop talking with police at any time.
Critical choices must be made before you cooperate with law enforcement. We will gather all available information, talk to the police and prosecution and discuss the situation together with you in calmer circumstances. Not until then is it wise to make decisions regarding how to interact with law enforcement.