When the police ask you to “come down to the station for a quick chat,” it might sound casual — but that conversation could determine the course of your future. Many people walk into a police interview believing they’re simply helping with an investigation, only to find themselves caught in a web of questions designed to build a case against them.
At Just Criminal Law, Attorney Christina L. Williams and Legal Storytelling Specialist David Mahon break down what really happens when the police start asking questions — and why it’s so important to protect your rights.
The Interrogation “Game” You Don’t Know You’re Playing
Police officers are trained interrogators. When they bring you in “just to talk,” their goal isn’t always to understand your side of the story — it’s to gather information that can support their theory of what happened.
They’ll often start by putting you at ease: asking about your family, your job, or your weekend. The conversation feels friendly and informal. But beneath that surface, the officer is watching your body language, your tone, and the details of what you say — all while mentally fitting your statements into a version of events that may point to your guilt.
As Christina explains, “They’ve played this game hundreds of times. You think you’re both trying to get to the truth, but really, you’ve become part of their case — and they’re the ones controlling the board.”
How Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Even if you think you’re helping, every word you say can be twisted or taken out of context. The officer isn’t obligated to include your explanations or the statements that show your innocence. Instead, they’ll focus on the pieces that fit their story — the one they’ll later present to the prosecutor.
As David notes, “It’s like a game of Tetris. They take every statement you make and stack it into their version of the story — one that builds the strongest case possible against you.”
That’s why even innocent people can end up saying things that are later used to justify an arrest or conviction.
The Smart Move: Lawyer Up
If you find yourself being questioned at the station, remember this: you are not required to talk to the police without a lawyer present.
You have the absolute right to remain silent and to request an attorney — and exercising that right does not make you look guilty.
In fact, as Christina reminds viewers, “Smart people lawyer up. The officer already knows more than you think, and talking without representation can only hurt you.”
If you’re told that you’re free to leave — leave. If not, clearly state that you want a lawyer before answering any questions.
Protect Your One Shot at Justice
Police questioning is not a game you want to play unprepared. Before saying anything that could impact your freedom or future, talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can stand between you and the system.
At Just Criminal Law, our team is available 24/7 to help you understand your rights and protect your best interests.