The other day a client (let’s call her “Julie”) called me in a panic. Julie had been informed by the Pittsburgh Police that she was a person of interest in a string of criminal thefts in her neighborhood. Of course, the officers informed her that she was not under arrest and was not a criminal suspect yet. They simply wanted Julie to come into the police station, at her discretion, and submit to police questioning. Julie wanted to know if she should go?
Regardless of whether my client has been charged with a crime, I have three rules when it comes to talking to the police in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or anywhere else for that matter:
- DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE POLICE.
- DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE POLICE.
- DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE POLICE.
If you are thinking about making a statement to the police, contact Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Michael V. Worgul immediately at (412) 475-9217 or 1-855-DUI-CRIM.
In Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and the remainder of the USA, you have no duty to speak with the Police under any circumstances. Nor are you required to do so under the 5th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Making a statement, albeit an innocent one, rarely benefits the speaker (or as the police see it, the “Confessor”) and often ends up hurting the person. During my Criminal Law Practice in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania, I cannot tell you how many times I have interviewed a client who went from Suspect, to Confessor, to Defendant with only a few phrases to an already suspicious officer. Always consult a Pittsburgh criminal attorney before making statements of any kind.
In most cases, the police do not have sufficient evidence to bring charges against my client without a statement. In other cases, I have seen people increase the number and variety of Pennsylvania crimes they are accused of with their own words. The police are professional interrogators and have one goal in mind: Obtain a Criminal Conviction. DO NOT SPEAK WITH THE POLICE.
There is only one exception to this rule. In rare circumstances, an experienced Pittsburgh criminal attorney may, after careful consideration, decide that speaking with law enforcement is more beneficial for his/her client. Recognizing these circumstances takes years of training and even the most experienced Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys are slow to recommend speaking with Police. However, under no circumstances should you speak with the Police unless you have first consulted an experienced criminal defense attorney.
With a focus on thorough preparation, superior client service and dedicated representation, I help families and individuals solve a wide range of DUI and criminal litigation issues.
I will respond to your email submission as promptly as possible. I ask that you consider calling me, Pittsburgh Criminal Attorney Michael V. Worgul, directly at 1-412-475-9217 or toll free at 1-855-DUI-CRIM for a free initial consultation to discuss your case. You will also find out how our practice can be put to work for you.
I look forward to listening to the circumstances of your case and discussing all available options under the law.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Worgul
Michael V. Worgul, Esq., LLC
429 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Toll Free: 1-855-DUI-CRIM
Phone: 412-475-9217
Fax: 412-288-8943
