If police ask you to come in for questioning is it legal for them to refuse you legal representation?

Attorney answers (7)

1. Licensed in NJ

   

   Benjamin KelsenPro

   Teaneck Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 16

   

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   Answered March 19, 2012 14:58. If I understand the scenario, this would be a blatant violation of his Constitutional Rights. Please call at your earliest convenience to discuss in greater detail.

   Law Offices of Benjamin G. Kelsen, Esq. LLC 179 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 Phone: 201-692-0073/ Fax: 201-692-... moreLaw Offices of Benjamin G. Kelsen, Esq. LLC 179 Cedar Lane Teaneck, NJ 07666 Phone: 201-692-0073/ Fax: 201-692-0151 Web Site: www.kelsenlaw.com / Email: bgkelsen@kelsenlaw.com NOT LEGAL ADVICE: The above information may contain an opinion which does not constitute legal advice. Unless a retainer agreement has been signed, we are not your legal representatives, and you should not rely on any opinions contained in this message. less

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2. Licensed in NJ

   

   Michael DoylePro

   Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

   

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   Answered March 19, 2012 15:21. Once you request counsel-all questioning must cease. Often times, their version of events tend to be different. I would have this individual contact counsel immediately.
   
   Michael L. Doyle
   (215) 735-5900
   www.michaeldoylelaw.com

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3. Licensed in NJ

   

   Eric M. MarkPro

   Newark Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 18

   

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   Answered March 19, 2012 15:36. Under those facts, it is entirely unlawful and anything the person said should be inadmissible in court.

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4. 

   Alexander Ivakhnenko

   Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered March 19, 2012 15:20. First things first, one never agrees to "come in for questioning" to the police station for any reason without a professional counsel.
   Secondly, the U.S. Constitution (its Sixth Amendment to be exact) expressly codifies the right of any person to counsel at such stage of criminal inquiry.
   And, finally, if anyone is told that a legal counsel cannot be present is completely legally incorrect and misleading. Do not listen to non attorneys. Retain a criminal attorney at once in New Jersey.

   DISCLAIMER The answer given above by the lawyer serves for educational purposes only and provides general... moreDISCLAIMER The answer given above by the lawyer serves for educational purposes only and provides general information and a basic understanding of the applicable law. Take notice that the answer above does not create an attorney-client relationship as this website is not intended to provide anyone a specific legal advice. Anyone using the site expressly consents that there is no attorney client privilege between any person and any attorney responding. Further take notice that the site should not be used as a crude substitute for any professional and competent legal advice by a licensed professional attorney in the applicable jurisdiction. The attorney above attempted to provide competent professional information, however, the law and its applications may change frequently and vary greatly from other U.S. jurisdictions and locales. Therefore, any information and materials provided above are general in nature, and may not apply to specific factual and legal circumstances related to one’s personal legal issues. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer admitted to practice in your State under an attorney-client privilege to further receive a competent legal advice before making any important decisions about your particular legal issue. For further inquiries please contact: Attorney Alexander Ivakhnenko 1021 West Adams, 102, Chicago, Illinois 60607 773-562-8602 http://alexanderivakhnenko.com less

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5. Licensed in NJ

   

   John P. TierneyPro

   Parsippany Criminal Defense Attorney

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   Answered March 20, 2012 11:23. Sounds like a bit of "permissive deception" (kind of like acceptable fibbing) by the police. If the person volunteers for questioning--they dont have to mirandize this person, i.e. read them his/her rights. However, if the person 'invokes' the right to counsel, i.e. states that he is unwilling to speak absent counsel in the police's presence, the police must cease questioning or they will be in violation of the 5th and 6th amendments to the Consttution. This gets more complicated if they seek the person but don't wish to use any of the information against that person but another!! Sounds like they are cleverly playing between the lines by indicating before the person appears that they don't want anyone present with him/her. In order to protect themselves, the person should seek counsel before submitting to any questioning whatsoever.

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6. 

   Richard Southard

   New York Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 18

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   Answered March 19, 2012 15:36. You have a constitutional right to have an attorney present when being questioned and a right not to answer any of the questions by police. Violating this right does not invalidate an arrest; however a motion should be made by your defense attorney to throw out any statements that were taken by the police in violation of this right.
   
   Richard Southard
   212-385-8600
   I am a former Deputy Bureau Chief with the Kings County DA’s Office with over 15 years experience specializing in criminal law cases. I offer free in-person, phone and video consultations.

   All answers are for information purposes only. Answering this question or any future questions does not form any... moreAll answers are for information purposes only. Answering this question or any future questions does not form any attorney-client relationship. Be mindful, that answers are limited by the limited facts presented by the questioner and are not meant to take the place of competent legal advice by an attorney fully informed of all the facts surrounding your case. However, be aware that nothing posted in a public forum such as this can be deemed confidential or privileged communication. For a privileged private consultation, contact me at 212-385-8600 or via my website www.reasonabledoubtny.com less

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7. Licensed in NJ

   

   Mark M Cheser

   Union Criminal Defense Attorney

   Contributor Level 20

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   Answered March 19, 2012 16:55. If he requests an attorney they cannot question him without one even later. They can arrest him though if they have probable cause and they can ask the Judge for a high bail. That usually is the trade off for asserting your constitutional rights.

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