Can I speak to the police during an arrest?
May 24, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Kuhn
Dear lawyer,
I have a question regarding my rights in case of an arrest by the police. Recently, I was involved in a altercation where the police were called and I was eventually arrested. At that moment, I was very upset and overwhelmed and I spoke to the police officers without really knowing what I should and shouldn't say.
Now I am worried that my statements might harm me and I wonder if I even have the right to speak to the police when arrested. I have heard that one should exercise their right to remain silent, but I was so confused in that moment that I didn't know what to do.
Could you please explain to me what rights I have when being arrested and whether it is better to speak or remain silent? Are there possible consequences if I speak? And how can I better prepare myself in the future in case of another arrest?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Ben Tiefental
Dear Mr. Tiefental,
Thank you for your question regarding your rights during a police arrest. It is understandable that you were upset and overwhelmed in such a situation and felt unsure about how to behave. It is important that you know your rights in order to better prepare yourself and act appropriately in the future.
First and foremost, it is important to know that you have the right to remain silent during an arrest. This right, also known as the right to silence, means that you are not obligated to make statements that could be used against you. You only need to provide your personal information, but beyond that, you can exercise your right to silence.
It is advisable to exercise your right to silence, as anything you say to the police officers could be used against you. It is important to remember that the police are required to inform you of your right to silence before questioning you. If you do choose to speak, be careful not to make false statements or contradict yourself.
If you decide to remain silent, you can later speak with a lawyer about the incident in peace and develop a strategy together on how best to proceed. A lawyer can also help defend your rights and avoid potential consequences.
To better prepare for any future arrests, I recommend that you educate yourself about your rights and think in advance about how you would like to behave. It may also be helpful to have the contact information of a lawyer readily available in case of an arrest, so you can seek professional help immediately if needed.
I hope I have answered your questions thoroughly and am available to assist you if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Ludwig Kuhn, Attorney
