Should I talk to the police?

[mehere]

I have scheduled a meeting with a detective that is with the crimes against children division. My wife and some friends think I should have a lawyer present and many others think not. I haven't done anything but my wifes sister who is very mad at me because she thinks I took her sister away and then after years of living with us made her go home to her Dad (was actually my wife because she was disrespectful and refused to listen to either of us) has now claimed that I touched her in appropriately just once over a year ago. So I figured since it is not true talking to the detective without legal representation would be ok. What do you think?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

This is a difficult question and best of luck to you with this. Personally, I'd like to say that if you haven't done anything wrong then you should have nothing to worry about. But this isn't always the case and not everyone thinks before they speak or considers carefully the repercussions of their statements. Additionally, not everyone can appreciate some of the tactics and pointed questions that may be asked which could create "gray areas" of interest to them when the case should never have been opened.

If you do decide to speak to the police alone, I'd advise you to say as little as possible and carefully consider what you will say. You'd do best on a fact finding mission - does or should the allegation give you cause for concern, e.g. you took her alone apple picking in an orchard when there was nobody around? If you decide to go, there is nothing wrong with telling the officer that you absolutely deny that any "inappropriate touching" took place at all. Even so, you still don't feel completely comfortable answering questions without speaking to an attorney.

 

[mehere]

What about a poloygraph test?

If offered a poloygraph test should I just take it? Can I use it in my defense?

 

[jacksgal]

Polygraph results cannot be used in court.

 

[lwpat]

This can be a serious offense. Do not go in and talk to the police. Retain an attorney and let them talk to him. It will cost you up front but this is not something to fool around with.

 

[jacksgal]

This can be a serious offense. Do not go in and talk to the police. Retain an attorney and let them talk to him. It will cost you up front but this is not something to fool around with.

I agree 100% Anything you say could make matters worse. In fact other than yes or no I would reframe from any detailed replies that could be twisted, misinterpeted or, otherwise used in favor of charges. This is not something to play with or attempt to do on your own just because your innocent. Talk to an Attorney!