If you are pulled over or approached by the police in regards to a criminal matter, you need to know how to talk to the police in order to protect yourself and your interests. Here are three things you should know and keep in mind when talking to the police in these cases.

#1 Always Give Your Legal Name

When the police ask you for your name, do not give the police your nick-name. You should also not give the police an abbreviation of your real name. Doing either of these things could result in a charge of giving false information to the police added to whatever else they are trying to charge you with. Make sure that if you are asked for your name by a police officer that you give them your name as it appears exactly on your birth certificate or driver's license. It is also okay to share your home address, phone number, and birth date with the police. This will actually help protect you against further charges.

#2 Do Not Lie To The Police Officer

If you choose to answer more detailed questions that the police officer presents you with, do not lie. You need to either tell the truth or assert your right to remain silent. If you answer a question and don't tell the entire truth or outright lie, that could hurt you even more. There are a variety of charges that can be added onto your initial charge for lying, such as charges for giving false information to the police, resisting or obstructing an officer in their duty, or even being an accessory after the fact.

It is in your best interests to always tell the truth when you choose to answer a question posed to you by a police officer if you choose to not exercise your right to remain silent.

#3 Know You Can Always Choose To Be Silent

You don't have to be arrested to choose to remain silent. If an officer starts to question you about a particular matter, you can always let them know that you are employing your right to remain silent that you are guaranteed under the constitution. Do not make any additional statements to the police officer after you have decided it is in your best interest to have a lawyer present. If you make a "spontaneous" statement, it could still be used against you.

Once you decide that you want an officer, answer any questions with the desire to speak with a lawyer. For more information, contact local professionals like Alexander & Associates, P.C.