Can a Criminal Defendant go to Prison because of their Words? Yes, they Can - Court TV Video
St. Paul based criminal defense attorney and Board Certified criminal law specialist appears on Court TV on 10/25/21 to discuss. Watch Jack’s Appearance on Court TV
The police want to get a statement from a suspect as early as possible. They will frequently do this before they have even collected a lot of the evidence. In fact, the police may not understand exactly what is going on but they absolutely want to lock in a suspect's story. Then, as the facts shift underneath that story, a good prosecutor can use the suspect's own words against them. Imagine the power of a suspect’s own words when they are played back to a jury, especially when they may contradict evidence that was subsequently obtained.
If I could choose, I would represent all of my clients before they were ever charged and before they were ever contacted by the police.
In the perfect world, there would be no crimes and the police wouldn’t think that the people I represent committed any. We don’t live in that world. In this world, if I could choose, I would represent all of my clients before they were ever charged and before they were ever contacted by the police.
When people are charged with serious offenses, they frequently want to talk, to explain, to deny, to give alibis, and more. The problem is that these statements can be misunderstood and these people can be scared, confused and not give the whole story. Frankly, these statements may be excuses as to what happened. However, to the police, these could be admissions, confessions.
I’ve had clients who went to prison only because of the evidence they themselves gave to the police. Otherwise, they likely never would have been charged.
If you are charged with a crime, or think you might be, or if the police want to just talk, call a good criminal defense lawyer. Seriously. The police are not here to help. They are building a case and they want your help to make it stick. Think about that.
Jack Rice is an experienced award-winning criminal defense attorney who has successfully tried many cases including everything from DWI to rape to assault to murder. Contact St. Paul based Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
St. Paul based criminal defense attorney and Board Certified criminal law specialist appears on Court TV on 10/25/21 to discuss. Watch Jack’s Appearance on Court TV