Protecting Yourself While Under Investigation

If you're under investigation it's essential NOT to talk to the police before you’ve spoken with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Do this as soon as you learn you are under investigation. If you learn this by the police questioning you, say “I want to talk to a lawyer.” Insist on speaking to an experienced criminal defense attorney. Even if the police insist by doing so you have something to hide.

Too often, individuals under investigation mistakenly believe they can convince police of their innocence. The police like to help you to make a statement. They say if you talk to us you won’t go to jail tonight. Or if someone claims ownership of this drug or weapon everyone goes home. Or just be honest with us and we’ll bring your cooperation to the attention of the prosecutor. And don’t talk to a lawyer because this makes the police believe you have something to hide. Many people have an urge to confess, or cooperate to make things easier. The police know this and use it.

It makes sense to sit down and talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer so that you know the law and your options before you talk to the police. Often an experienced criminal defense attorney can reduce the damage or get you off. But once you’ve made the statement to the police, or consented to the search, you’ve made it much harder for me to protect you.

Any statements you’ve freely made to the police, and evidence found during a search they've consented to can be used against you in court. At the law office of Mitchell E. Ignatoff, we aggressively defend our clients' rights during an investigation. We demand police and investigators respect your rights.

Protecting Your Rights

Mr. Ignatoff is Certified Criminal Trial Attorney, which means that he has been designated by the New Jersey Supreme as an expert in criminal law.

For more information regarding protecting your rights during a criminal investigation contact Mitchell E. Ignatoff . Our Middlesex, New Jersey office represents clients in all New Jersey counties including Somerville, Hackensack, New Brunswick, Flemington, Morristown, Jersey City, and Elizabeth.

Do I have to Talk to the Police?

The only thing you have to provide to police is identification if you are asked for it. If investigators show up at your doorstep and ask if they can talk to you, you are not required to tell them anything or allow them into your home. If you are approached in public or at work, you are under no legal obligation to speak with them. You are not obligated to go anywhere with them either unless they arrest you..

They Told Me They Have Evidence I did it -- What Should I Do?

Investigators and police often try to convince suspects they know more than they actually do. If they want to talk to you it means they don’t have enough information to arrest you. If they arrest you and still want to talk to you they may not have enough information to prove their case. Don’t talk to them.

In order to avoid incriminating yourself you should 1.) immediately consult a lawyer; and 2.) avoid saying anything more to the police 3) if requested to sign a document, you should write "I want a lawyer" before signing your name. Again, you do not have to talk to investigators and you are not required to allow them onto your property unless they show you a warrant.

The Police Said if I just Confessed I probably Wouldn't Go to Jail

The police can't determine whether you will or will not go to jail after confessing to a crime. Some crimes, like car jacking, certain federal crimes, and homicide carry mandatory prison sentences -- regardless of whether you confess or not. Since you're not in a position to know what the police know, what others may have told them, or at what stage an investigation is in, say nothing and immediately contact an attorney.

Fighting for and Protecting Your Rights

The law office of Mitchell E. Ignatoff has over 20 years of experience defending the accused. We understand how police work, how the criminal justice system is structured, and how to work within it to achieve the best results possible for our clients. For more information regarding our practice, contact highly successful, New Jersey criminal defense attorney Mitchell E. Ignatoff.