Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Accessory to the crime

my boyfriend was arrested. The police said that he was linked to a serious crime. The detectives have been interviewing me. I already told them that i do not know anything about the crime. They asked me too many questions. Am i mandated to answer all their questions? What is the correct way to answer their questions so that i will not be in trouble. I am so stressed out with their interviews.Can i refuse to answer them if i do not feel comfortable with the question? I do not have money to hire a lawyer to help me -how can i get help?


Asked on 10/04/08, 6:16 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Accessory to the crime

No, you are under no obligation to answer police questions. If there is any possibility that you might have information which would be incriminating to you and/or your boyfriend you absolutely must not talk to them. All in all, you should not talk to the police without attorney present period. If the police suspect you in any way, they will twist and use everything you say against you. They will trick because all they want is to build a case against your boyfriend and possibly you as well.

Hiring a lawyer for the purpose of helping you through this stage, meaning intervening and assisting you in order to stave off possibility of charges being filed, might not be as expensive as you might think.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 10/05/08, 4:16 pm
Ramona Hallam Law Offices of Ramona R. Hallam

Re: Accessory to the crime

Tell them you respectfully decline to be interviewed further. If they arrest you, do not say a word except to tell them who you are and your address. Tell them you will not speak with them without an attorney present. Once you invoke your right to counsel, they will not be able to speak with you unless you initiate conversation. They will have to provide you an attorney.

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Answered on 10/04/08, 4:40 pm
Allen Farshi Law Offices of Allen Farshi

Re: Accessory to the crime

You have no duty to cooperate with the investigation,

particularly when you do not have information. Do not sign any documents whatsoever. If you are arrested, you can always hire a public defender.

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Answered on 10/04/08, 6:05 pm


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