If I may have a possible 3rd DV and they police want me to come and give a statement, am I legally required to go?
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If I may have a possible 3rd DV and they police want me to come and give a statement, am I legally required to go?
One was dismissed. I served 6 months probation on the 2nd. The police now want me to come in and give a statement. Do I legally have to? Are warrants a possibility? They won’t even tell me if theres a charge. I’m 51 years old and believe that I have some sort of PTSD from being in abusive relationships all my life.
Asked on July 14, 2015 under Criminal Law, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
Under no circumstances speak with the police without having an attorney present
You are not legally required to go to the police station and give a statement. In fact, you do not have to speak with them even if they come to your house. You could easily and unintentionally say something incriminating about yourself regarding this incident.
Questioning you without your having a lawyer by your side is to their benefit. Make no mistake, they will try and get you to implicate yourself. So no matter how friendly they may appear ("We just want to get your side of the story"), or no matter how intimidating they seem ("It would be in your best interests to speak with us"), do not do so without an attorney.
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