Does Hiring a Lawyer in Minnesota Make Me Look Guilty?
If you're being investigated or have already been charged with a crime in Minnesota, there’s one line you’re almost guaranteed to hear—from police, from investigators, maybe even from friends:
“Hiring a lawyer makes you look guilty.”
But here’s the truth: that line is a tactic—and it works in the State’s favor, not yours.
Law enforcement officers don’t want you to have an attorney. Why? Because they know the moment you bring in a skilled criminal defense lawyer, their job gets harder. You stop making statements that can be twisted. You stop giving them evidence to use against you. You stop playing by their rules.
Whether you’re being investigated for sexual assault, child pornography, domestic violence, or any serious criminal offense, having legal representation is not a sign of guilt. It’s a sign that you’re protecting your rights—because no one else will. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
The Police Aren’t There to Clear Up Misunderstandings
We’ve all heard the Miranda warning:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
Believe it. Because when law enforcement says they “just want to talk,” they’re not doing it to help you—they’re doing it to build a case against you. And that conversation? It’s not a friendly chat. It’s evidence gathering, plain and simple.
They’ll tell you they want your side of the story. That they’re just trying to get clarity. But what they’re really doing is:
Locking you into statements they can use later
Twisting your words or taking them out of context
Setting traps based on what they already know that you don’t
And if you're wrong about a detail—or unsure—they’ll use that uncertainty against you.
Exercising Your Rights Isn’t Suspicious. It’s Smart.
You are under no obligation to speak to police. None. This is a Constitutionally protected right—but it's meaningless unless you use it.
Here’s what can happen if you try to talk your way out:
You might incriminate yourself, even unintentionally
You might have your words misunderstood or misrepresented
You might be coerced into saying things that damage your defense
You might end up giving the prosecution exactly what they need
And here's something most people don’t realize: police can legally lie to you during questioning. They're trained to do it. Courts allow it. So why would you ever walk into an interrogation without a lawyer by your side?
“But Won’t They Be Mad If I Get a Lawyer?”
Of course they will. And that should tell you everything.
The moment you assert your rights, they may try to intimidate you. They may shift their tone, suggest you must be hiding something, or say you're “now a suspect.” This is a common tactic meant to pressure you into talking.
But how the police feel about you is irrelevant. They are not your friend. They are not on your side. And deep down, even they know that if they were in your position, they’d get a lawyer, too.
What You Need Is Experience—and Leverage
The legal system is complex. It’s high-stakes. And it can be unforgiving. That’s why it’s crucial to have a well-known, experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney in your corner—someone who understands the law, knows the players, and knows how the system works from the inside out.
At Jack Rice Defense, we know the judges. We know the prosecutors. We’ve stood across from the same officers who now want to talk to you. And we know how to fight back—strategically, aggressively, and effectively.
Go with the Best
Jack Rice is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a former prosecutor, a former U.S. Federal Officer, and an award-winning criminal defense attorney. As the founder of Jack Rice Defense, he brings decades of courtroom experience to high-stakes criminal cases across Minnesota.
📞 Call today for a free, confidential consultation:
651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339
🌐 Visit JackRiceDefense.com