Noone wants to find themselves in legal trouble. However, sometimes, it happens even to the best of us. The most important thing to do if you are suspected of committing a crime and questioned by law enforcement is unequivocally state, “I am invoking my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and I want my attorney present.”
At that point, after you have invoked your right to remain silent, the questions must stop. Now, you must change your conduct and your frame of mind. There is no need to explain yourself, engage in small talk, or feel compelled to clarify anything. No matter how smart you think you are, no matter how savvy you may believe yourself to be, none of this matters. What you do can make a big difference in your case. This means first stay silent, then call your attorney.
The smartest thing you can do in a situation where you are asked questions by law enforcement is to have an experienced and seasoned attorney by your side, looking out for you. At Glasgow & Olsson, our Chicago criminal defense lawyer has spent 32 years working within the United States criminal justice system, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. If anyone knows the nuances of the system and how to achieve the best possible results, it is Attorney Thomas Glasgow.
Words Matter and Can Affect Your Case
There are many techniques that can be used to prompt you to speak when it is best to stay quiet. What you say can be framed in a negative way and then later on, used against you. It is essential that you don’t fall for these strategies and instead, use your rights. Do not talk, and do get your attorney for any questioning.
Remember, your silence is not suspicious; it is not an admission of guilt. It is your protection. Even if you want to be viewed as cooperative, the truth is that anything you say can generate evidence that is used to harm you in court.
The interrogation room can be overwhelming and make you feel unsure of yourself. It is designed to be this way. The room is structured, the questioning is strategic, and the psychology is deliberate. The interrogation room functions as a pressure chamber within the criminal justice system. It is where narratives are shaped, where timelines solidify, and where admissions—partial or complete—are captured on record.
This is why restraint is the best policy. While law enforcement views the interrogation room as a critical investigative tool, you must understand what it actually is. That would be the most legally dangerous environment for you to be in.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you are being questioned by law enforcement, don’t second-guess your next move. Stay silent, and then contact your attorney.
At Glasgow & Olsson, we are widely recognized as a leading authority in Illinois criminal law. For this reason, Attorney Thomas T. Glasgow is a trusted legal voice who is regularly invited to appear on major networks, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with our Chicago criminal defense attorneys today and learn how decades of trusted experience can protect what matters most to you.