What to do when police call you

This section delves into the foundational nature of a police contact, clarifying the different ways law enforcement may reach out to individuals connected to or suspected of involvement in a crime. These interactions are broadly categorized based on the individual's role in the potential offense, which dictates your necessary response.

If law enforcement believes you may have committed a crime, they will initiate contact specifically to question you regarding the alleged offense. At this stage, you are considered a suspect and must proceed with extreme caution, as the police are actively trying to build a case. In New York, if you are taken into custody and subjected to interrogation, the police are legally obligated to inform you of your "Miranda rights," which protect you from self-incrimination. Remember that any statements you make during this contact, even if seemingly innocuous, can be used against you in court.

In many scenarios, the police may approach you simply to gather facts and circumstantial evidence, identifying you as a witness or someone who might have relevant information. Even if you are not currently under suspicion, your verbal account will be officially documented and can be referenced later in any judicial proceeding concerning the investigation. Given the sensitive nature of criminal inquiries, it remains prudent to consult legal counsel to ensure you are not inadvertently providing information that could potentially incriminate yourself or others involved, especially if you receive contact unexpectedly.

It is a non-negotiable rule to always consult a criminal defense attorney immediately upon receiving contact and before engaging in any conversation with law enforcement. A qualified attorney can provide critical advice on what information should be shared and what should be withheld, and importantly, they can accompany you during the interview or interrogation, serving as a legal buffer. Under New York law, specifically concerning custodial questioning, you are not required to speak without your counsel present unless you voluntarily and knowingly waive those fundamental rights.

Thoroughly review and organize all communication, including text messages, call logs, photographs, GPS data, or witness accounts related to the incident forming the basis of the police contact. This material should be arranged chronologically to facilitate a clear and consistent explanation of your version of events during any questioning by law enforcement. A well-organized set of records substantially strengthens your position and credibility during the investigation.

The police may issue a formal notice to appear or initiate contact via an informal phone call to schedule a meeting. You must bring valid identification (such as a driver's license) to the meeting, and if you feel unprepared or need more time to consult your attorney, you should politely but firmly request a rescheduling. Utilize this extended time to coordinate with your legal counsel and meticulously gather any necessary documentation related to the investigation.

New York law, affirmed by CPL §60.50 and reinforced by federal rulings, explicitly safeguards your constitutional right to remain silent, which is a key protection during a police contact. If you are posed a question that you believe may incriminate you, or if you feel uncomfortable, you should state clearly that you are invoking this right and immediately request to speak with your attorney. Invoking this right is not an admission of guilt; it is a fundamental exercise of your legal protections.

When responding to police questions, be precise and limit your answers strictly to what is asked. Avoid the common mistake of elaborating or offering unnecessary context, anecdotal information, or speculation unless specifically advised to do so by your legal counsel. Maintaining consistency in your answers across all interactions is vital for protecting your credibility should the case proceed to court.

Police departments commence their inquiry upon receiving a formal complaint, an official report, or through direct observation of an alleged crime. During this phase, they actively gather physical evidence, question potential witnesses, and may interrogate individuals identified as suspects. Once the police conclude their investigation and believe that "probable cause" exists to support a charge, the entire case file is formally handed over to the local District Attorney (DA)'s office.

Upon receiving the case file from the police, the District Attorney reviews all gathered evidence, witness statements, and police reports related to the investigation. The DA then determines the appropriate legal course of action. They have several options, including: requesting additional, more focused investigation (often termed a "follow-up" request) to bolster the evidence; proceeding with a formal indictment (particularly for felony charges), which moves the case closer to trial; or opting to dismiss the case entirely due to insufficient evidence to support a conviction. Strategic legal intervention during this review phase can often lead to a favorable resolution.