URGENT GUIDANCE
Contacted by Police?
Know what to do next
The first few minutes can affect your case. Keep your responses simple and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before answering questions.
RIGHT NOW
Three things to remember
01
IDENTIFY YOURSELF THEN REMAIN SILENT.
02
DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH.
03
ASK FOR A LAWYER CLEARLY.
If you can, call before answering questions.
START HERE
If this happens, say this
Three common situations, with one clear response for each. Read the large sentence first it is the action to remember.
Officers begin questioning you
SAY THIS
“I WANT TO REMAIN SILENT AND SPEAK WITH A LAWYER.”
Identify yourself, say you want to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
01
QUESTIONING
02
SEARCH
They ask to search you or your property
SAY THIS
“I DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH.”
State clearly that you do not consent. Do not physically interfere with or resist a search.
They ask you to sign or give a statement
03
STATEMENT
SAY THIS
“I WANT TO SPEAK WITH A LAWYER FIRST.”
Do not sign or agree to a voluntary interview before speaking with counsel.
WORDS TO REMEMBER
“I want to remain silent. I want a lawyer”
State it clearly, then stop answering questions until an attorney is present.
General information only. This is not a substitute for legal advice about your specific situation.
Need help right now?
The earlier we’re involved, the more options you may have.
STEP-BY-STEP
What to do next
Follow the sequence in order. Each step is written to be read quickly when you are under pressure.
01
SAY
Identify yourself, then remain silent
You can identify yourself, then state that you want to remain silent and speak with a lawyer.
02
DON’T
Don’t consent to a search
State clearly that you do not consent, but do not physically interfere with or resist a search.
03
ASK
Ask for a lawyer, clearly
State plainly that you want an attorney, then stop answering questions until one is present.
04
CALL
Call us before you say anything else
The earlier we’re involved, the more options you may have.
05
DON’T
Don’t sign a statement or consent form
Do not agree to a voluntary interview or sign a written statement or consent form without counsel.
06
NOTE
Write down what you remember
Once you’re safe to do so, note names, badge numbers and the time and place of contact.
WORDS TO REMEMBER
“I want to remain silent. I want a lawyer”
State it clearly, then stop answering questions until an attorney is present.
START HERE
If this happens,
say this
Three common situations, with one clear response for each. Read the large sentence first it is the action to remember.
01
QUESTIONING
Officers begin questioning you
SAY THIS
“I WANT TO REMAIN SILENT AND SPEAK WITH A LAWYER.”
Identify yourself, say you want to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
02
SEARCH
They ask to search you or your property
SAY THIS
“I DO NOT CONSENT TO A SEARCH.”
State clearly that you do not consent. Do not physically interfere with or resist a search.
03
STATEMENT
They ask you to sign or give a statement
SAY THIS
“I WANT TO SPEAK WITH A LAWYER FIRST.”
Do not sign or agree to a voluntary interview before speaking with counsel.
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
URGENT GUIDANCE
Contacted by Police?
The first few minutes can affect your case. Keep your responses simple and speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before answering questions.
Know what to do next
RIGHT NOW
Three things to remember
01
Identify yourself then remain silent.
02
Do not consent to a search.
03
Ask for a lawyer clearly.
If you can, call before answering questions.
STEP-BY-STEP
What to do next
Follow the sequence in order. Each step is written to be read quickly when you are under pressure.
You can identify yourself, then state that you want to remain silent and speak with a lawyer.
Identify yourself, then remain silent
01
SAY
State clearly that you do not consent, but do not physically interfere with or resist a search.
Don’t consent to a search
02
DON’T
State plainly that you want an attorney, then stop answering questions until one is present.
Ask for a lawyer, clearly
03
ASK
04
CALL
Call us before you say anything else
The earlier we’re involved, the more options you may have.
05
DON’T
Don’t sign a statement or consent form
Do not agree to a voluntary interview or sign a written statement or consent form without counsel.
06
NOTE
Write down what you remember
Once you’re safe to do so, note names, badge numbers and the time and place of contact.
E.G. MORRIS
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY · AUSTIN, TEXAS