If the police want me to come in for questioning should I go?

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If the police want me to come in for questioning should I go?

Recently, a good friend of many years accused me of stealing $1,000 from her. I absolutely did not, and I am very hurt as this has ended our friendship. She insists I did and filed a police report. Now they want me to come in “to talk about an incident in (city she lives in).” That’s all they would say. I have done nothing wrong, but have heard that the police ask someone to come in because they believe the person is guilty and want them to say something to incriminate themselves. I am quite worried. Can I be arrested? What should I do?

Asked on August 17, 2011 Wisconsin

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You do not have to appear at the police station if you choose not to. Whatever you do, under no circumstances should you go to speak with the police without having an attorney with you. The factthat  is no matter how innocent you may be, you could inadvertently say something incriminating about yourself regarding this matter. You are under no obligation to speak with them (actually even if the police come to your home you do not need to speak with them).  If you speak to them without having a lawyer to represent your interests, it is to their benefit. They can and will try to get you to implicate yourself.  So no matter how friendly they may appear,or conversely no matter how intimidating and threatening they seem, do not speak to them without legal counsel. 


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