The police are looking for me. What should I do?

At Faulkner Legal Group, P. A., our attorneys often receive calls from individuals who have learned that law enforcement officials want to question them with regard to alleged criminal activity. Sometimes, the only information that a person has is that law enforcement officials are "looking for them." Naturally, being in such a situation engenders significant anxiety and concern on the part of the person targeted by law enforcement. Our team is experienced in dealing with such situations.

First and foremost, it is important for the person being sought by law enforcement to know that he or she has the right to remain silent. That means that the person does not have any obligation to speak to or answer questions posed by law enforcement. It is critical that the person take advantage of their right to remain silent and consult with an attorney prior to answering any law enforcement questions. People accused of a crime often answer questions by law enforcement because they feel that they are innocent and, therefore, have nothing to hide. However, even seemingly innocent statements by a person may be used by law enforcement against that person to establish evidence of a crime. For example, in the process of denying that a crime was committed, a person may inadvertently reveal that they were in the area in which the crime occurred. Law enforcement officials may later use that admission to establish that the person had opportunity to commit the crime. If law enforcement officials are attempting to contact you, our attorneys may be able to speak to those law enforcement officials to determine their intent. Once it has been determined why the law enforcement officials are attempting to contact you, our lawyers may then be able to advise you as to whether you should or should not answer questions by the law enforcement officials.

Sometimes, law enforcement officials are attempting to contact a person because they have a warrant for that person's arrest. In such a situation, our attorneys can often contact the law enforcement officials to determine the reason for the warrant and to arrange for the person to be able to turn themselves in. Being able to turn one’s self in may have several advantages. First, it can help to establish that the person is not a flight risk, thereby making it more likely that the person will be eligible for release from jail while the case is pending. Second, it often allows the person to avoid the embarrassment of being arrested at an inopportune time in the presence of friends, family, coworkers and/or neighbors. Further, if a bond is associated with the warrant, arrangements for the person to bond out can be made in advance, thereby shortening the person's time spent in jail.

If you believe that law enforcement officials want to question you or are otherwise looking for you, contact our attorneys as soon as possible for a FREE CONSULTATION. Don't go it alone!