If you are arrested, what you say can be critical. That’s why it’s very important that you request a lawyer immediately. In Utah, police only have to give you the customary Miranda Warning that you have the right to an attorney. No police department in Utah will advise you that it is a good idea that you get a lawyer; lawyers makes their job harder. (But we make it much better for you!)

Many people are reluctant to ask for a lawyer because they think that by asking for a lawyer, the police will think they are guilty. This next point is absolutely critical: if you have been arrested, the police already think you are guilty.

That point is so important that it bears restating. If the police have arrested you, they already think you are guilty, of at least something. You are not going to talk your way out of their suspicions. Do not try to convince the police of your innocence. Anything you say will likely make matters worse. You may unwittingly confirm your knowledge of the crime or you may admit to a related crime. Let a trained attorney do the talking for you. Whether you are in Utah or somewhere else in the United States, an attorney like me can steer you clear of the common traps that police lay for suspects.

Lying to police makes matters much worse. People forget that Martha Stewart went to jail for obstruction of justice, conspiracy, and making false statements. Those convictions stemmed from lying to federal officials and have little to do with the reasons she was initially investigated.

Next, do not trade momentary comfort for long term pain. Police in Salt Lake City and other jurisdictions are allowed to lie to you. They can tell you that if you just admit it, everything will be easier for you and you can go home. This is a whopper of a lie. The police may even let you go home immediately, but it won’t be easier for you. The criminal charges will still come. If you request a lawyer, it may take more of your time in the short term, but you will be better off in the long term.

Finally, be sure to make your request for a lawyer absolutely clear. If the police ask if you want a lawyer, say, “yes.” Do not qualify that statement in any way. You want a lawyer present. If the police start questioning you, tell them, “I want a lawyer present.” Do not make this a question. (E.g. “Should I get a lawyer?” or “Do you think I need a lawyer?”) Salt Lake County police departments know that they can continue to question you if you’ve made ambiguous requests for a lawyer. Only an unequivocal request for a lawyer will do.