When police call and say they “just want to talk,” it feels harmless. They tell you they’re trying to get to the bottom of an incident. They say they want to hear your side of the story. They might even imply that if you just explain what happened, everything will get cleared up. It won’t. This is exactly why you should never talk to police without a lawyer.
If police are calling you about an incident, there’s a reason. And that reason is rarely to help you. Before you say a single word, you need to talk to a Boston criminal defense attorney about your options.
Here’s why.
Police Aren't Trying to Find the Truth—They're Building a Case
This is the hardest thing for honest people to accept. You think that if you just tell the truth, police will believe you. You think they’ll verify your story, realize you’re innocent, and move on.
That’s not how it works.
When police suspect you of a crime, they’re not conducting a neutral investigation. They’re gathering evidence to support an arrest and prosecution. Your denials don’t help you. Your explanations don’t help you. Police often won’t even bother to verify the information you provide.
Think about the Miranda warnings you’ve heard on TV: “Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.” Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say your statements will be used to find the truth. It says they’ll be used against you.
I’ve seen it happen countless times. A person goes in without a lawyer, tells the truth, provides information that could actually prove their innocence—and police ignore all of it. They take what helps their case and discard the rest.
Everything You Do Will Be Twisted Against You
Even if you handle the interview perfectly, prosecutors will find a way to spin it.
Did you stay calm and collected during questioning? That proves you’re cold and calculating—only a guilty person could be so composed.
Did you get emotional and deny the allegations forcefully? That proves you’re defensive and protesting too much—only a guilty person would react so strongly.
See the problem? There’s no winning. Your tone, your body language, your word choices—all of it becomes ammunition. Prosecutors are skilled at taking innocent behavior and making it sound sinister to a jury.
The Rules of Evidence Work Against You
Here’s something most people don’t realize: the rules of evidence aren’t always fair to defendants.
If you admit to certain facts during a police interview—being present at the scene, knowing the alleged victim, having access to a particular location—those admissions can be used against you at trial. But your denials? Depending on the judge’s rulings, those might not be admissible at all.
Think about what that means. The prosecution gets to tell the jury about everything you said that sounds bad. But your attorney might not be able to tell them about everything you said that sounds good.
Why give the police that advantage? Why hand them pieces of your own words to build their case? Sometimes Talking Makes Sense—But Only With a Lawyer
I’m not saying there’s never a situation where talking to police is the right move. Sometimes it is. I’ve accompanied clients to police interviews when it made strategic sense. I’ve advised clients to provide statements when the circumstances warranted it.
But that decision should never be made in the moment, under pressure, without legal guidance. A Massachusetts criminal defense attorney can evaluate your situation, explain the risks, and help you make an informed choice. If talking to police is the right call, your lawyer can be present to protect your rights and ensure the interview stays fair.
The Bottom Line
If police want to talk to you about an incident, be polite but firm: “I’m not answering questions without my attorney present.” Then call a Boston criminal defense lawyer immediately.
This isn’t about being uncooperative. It’s about protecting yourself. Police have training, experience, and legal tools on their side. You deserve someone in your corner who understands how the system actually works.
If you’re facing a police investigation in Suffolk County, Eastern Massachusetts, call the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson at 617-295-7500. Let’s discuss your situation before you speak with anyone else.
