When The Police Call

When The Police Call

Recently a client contacted me about a not so uncommon situation. The Police had contacted her and requested that she come down to the station for an interview concerning an incident that had been reported to them. They wanted to determine whether she had committed a criminal offence. Naturally, my client was extremely anxious and totally unsure as to what to do. Should she speak to the Police and give her side of the story or just rely on her right to silence?

The Danger

As a general rule, nothing good comes out of volunteering to a Police interview. Under the pressure of a stressful situation it is not unusual for even an innocent person to make slips of the tongue and afterwards wonder, “Why the hell did I say that?” In the hands of a skilled prosecutor words uttered in a Police interview can come back to haunt you in Court and make you squirm endlessly in the witness box.

The Dilemma

Many people think that if they do not attend a Police interview then the Police will not hear their version of events and the Police will almost certainly charge them.

The Solution

I suggested to my client that I prepare a statement on her behalf, attach copies of relevant documents and the signed statement be sent to the Police. Following a polite call to the Police to discuss the matter, the statement was delivered and within a week the Police confirmed that no further action would be taken. A victory for common sense!