Many people have a mythical perception of the law enforcement system that they get from popular media. In reality, the criminal justice system is far different. Mistakes that people make when dealing with Tennessee police and prosecutors can cost them in the long run.
You do not have to talk to police
Police can use various measures to gain information from you when they are investigating. The average person does not know what their legal rights really are even though they hear the term used frequently. One key part of legal rights is not having to speak to a law enforcement officer without an attorney present. Even when an attorney is in the room, there is no legal requirement to answer questions.
Not all police misconduct gets defendants off the hook
Many people also have ideas that any sort of police misconduct is grounds for dismissing their charges. In their view, misconduct happens even when an officer lies or is anything less than truthful. Law enforcement must respect constitutional rights, but there is no general requirement to be honest. Further, even if police take evidence without a warrant, they may still be able to use it in your case.
For criminal defendants, the key is to be as well-informed as possible about the legal system. This way, they can make the right decisions in their case. This knowledge comes from having an experienced attorney who knows how the justice system works and can use this expertise to your advantage.
This is why you need a criminal defense lawyer either as soon as you know you are being investigated or have been charged with a crime. Otherwise, your legal rights could be at risk, or you may say something to a police officer that works against your defense.