Justia Rating Badge 10
Best DWI Attorney Top Rated 2017
Rated by Super Lawyers
Avvo Top Contributor in Criminal Defense 2013
Avvo 10.0 Superb - Top Criminal Defense Attorney
Top 10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction - American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys 2024
Avvo Client's Choice in Criminal Defense 2014
Avvo 10.0 Superb - Top Divorce Attorney
Avvo Top Contributor in Criminal Defense 2016
Rated by Super Lawyers
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm 2023 - Attorney and Practice Magazines
Top 10 Criminal Defense Law Firm 2020 -  Attorney and Practice Magazines
Martindale-Hubbell - Distinguised Peer rated
Best of Springfield 2023 Winner - Illinois Times
Best of Springfield 2022 Winner - Illinois Times
The Official Community Choice Awards Springfield
The Official Community Choice Awards Springfield 2023
2022 Readers' Choice - The State Journal-Register
10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction - American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Elite Lawyer in Criminal Defense 2023
Lawyers of Distinction 2023
Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2024
Best of the Best - Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney 2025
NACDA Top Ten Ranking 2025
5-Star Rating in Google
Avvo Excellent Top Attorney Criminal Defense DUI & DWI

Why You Shouldn’t Talk to the Police During an Investigation

W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law Team

If you’re under investigation for committing a violent crime, then your freedom and your future is on the line. The pressure of this reality can be crushing, and it might drive you to act in a way that seems beneficial but actually turns out to be harmful to your criminal defense. This includes voluntarily talking to the police.

When you’re under suspicion form criminal wrongdoing, it might be tempting to contact investigators to try to set the record straight and clear yourself of any suspicion, but this is extremely dangerous.

Reasons why you shouldn’t talk to the police if you’re under investigation

To protect yourself as much as possible, you should probably avoid talking to the police unless advised otherwise by your attorney. Here’s why:

  • The police can lie to you about evidence they have against you, simply to get you talking.
  • The police might intimidate you or threaten criminal charges against your loved ones to try to get you to confess to the criminal act in question.
  • The police can misconstrue what you’ve said to paint you in an unfavorable light that makes you look guilty.
  • You might inadvertently misstate a fact that the police can then use to attack your credibility.
  • The police might inaccurately recall what you said.
  • The police might not advise you of your rights.
  • The police aren’t able to offer you any sort of plea deal that you might be looking for.

Protect your interests throughout your criminal proceeding

A single misstep during your criminal case can lead to horrible outcomes for you and your family. To keep that from happening, think of how you can build the aggressive criminal defense arguments best aimed at destroying the prosecution’s case. By doing so, you’ll hopefully be able to beat the charges levied against you and salvage your future.

Client Reviews

Mr. Hanken is the definition of a genuine person. My experience was nothing short of amazing. Scott made me comfortable and heard from the moment I walked into his office. He gave me back my reputation and dignity by receiving a not guilty verdict, but most...

Nena M.

Scott Hanken saved my life. Prior to this id not been in a situation where I'd needed a lawyer. Throughout the entire process he made sure I was aware of what was going on with my case, what my options were, and was always prompt. He delivered in everything...

Anonymous

If I could give Scott Hanken 6 stars I would, I called 2 weeks prior to my court date with multiple charges against me, He gave me a great price for his services and got my charges dropped. I would personally recommend him to anyone needing legal services.

Anonymous

Let's Put Up a Fight.

Fill out the contact form or call us at (217) 544-4057
to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message

Address

Our offices are located at the corner of South Fifth Street and Vine, in the historic Mary Bryant Home for the Blind.

Springfield Office
1100 S 5th St

Springfield, IL 62703