Invited for a police interrogation? Never go without a lawyer.
Have you received a letter or phone call from the police asking you to come in for questioning? It's understandable that you might be alarmed. Many people think, "I have nothing to hide, so I'll just go."
However, this is often a big mistake.
Every day, people search online for "invited for police questioning, " "do I have to go to police questioning," and "lawyer for police questioning." In this blog, we explain your rights, what you should and should not do, and why a criminal lawyer is essential during police questioning.
What does an invitation to a police interview mean?
An invitation to a police interview almost always means that you will be questioned as a suspect (even if the police do not always say so explicitly). Everything you say during the interview will be recorded in an official report and may later be used as evidence.
Important to know:
You are not obliged to appear at an interrogation without a lawyer.
Your rights during a police interrogation
As a suspect, you have clear rights, including:
The right to remain silent
The right to legal assistance
The right to consult with your lawyer beforehand
The right to check the official report
Many suspects are aware of these rights, but do not know how and when best to exercise them. This is precisely where the added value of an experienced criminal defense attorney lies.
Why should you never attend an interrogation without a lawyer?
A police interview is not a conversation "to hear your side of the story." The police's goal is to gather evidence. Even seemingly innocent answers can be used against you.
A criminal defense attorney:
Prepare for the interrogation
Attends the interrogation and intervenes where necessary
Prevents you from unintentionally burdening yourself
Ensures that your rights are respected
In practice, we see that cases are often decided during the initial interrogation.
Do you always have to appear for questioning?
That depends on the situation. In some cases, your lawyer may:
Postpone the interrogation
Indicate that you are exercising your right to remain silent
Conduct the interrogation entirely in writing.
Never agree to a hearing date on your own without first seeking legal advice.
Free lawyer during police questioning?
In many cases, you are entitled to a (duty) lawyer or legal aid. Even if you do not wish to make use of this, it is often possible to have a no-obligation consultation before you go to the police station.
Invited for a police interview? Contact us first.
Have you been invited to a police interview and are unsure what to do? Don't wait. One wrong answer can have major consequences for your criminal case, your job, and your future.
👉 Contact us directly for a free, no-obligation consultation with a specialized criminal defense attorney.