They're Not Trying to Help You—Here's Why You Should Stay Silent

🤐 "I Thought I Could Explain My Way Out of It."

If we had a dollar for every time we heard that in a consultation, we'd never bill another client.

Whether it's a traffic stop, a knock at your door, or a call asking you to “come down and clear a few things up,” many people make the same critical mistake after being accused of a crime:

They try to talk their way out of it.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we defend people across Ruston and North Louisiana who made this mistake before calling us. Let's break down why it's a bad move—and how you can avoid making it worse.

🚔 Why You Feel Like You Should Talk

It's completely natural. You want to defend yourself. You don't want to look guilty. Maybe the officer is being polite or even reassuring.

But here's the hard truth:

• The police are not your friends.

• They are trained to gather evidence.

• Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Even innocent people say things that sound bad later or accidentally fill in the gaps of a case the DA couldn't otherwise prove.

🧠 Why Talking Always Carries Risk

• You might accidentally confess to something without realizing it.

• You could contradict yourself under pressure (even small inconsistencies are used against you).

• You might tell the truth, but in a way that makes you look guilty.

• Officers can legally lie to you in Louisiana during questioning.

Once you say it, you can't unsay it—and it becomes evidence.

🛑 What You Should Do Instead

If law enforcement tries to talk to you, say this and only this:

“I respectfully decline to answer any questions without a lawyer present.”

Then stop talking. Don't try to explain. Don't try to guess what they already know. Don't let fear do the talking.

📌 Even if you haven't been arrested, this right still applies.

🔐 But Won't I Look Guilty If I Stay Silent?

No. Not legally. And not to anyone who understands the justice system.

Exercising your right to silence:

• Protects your future

• Keeps your options open

• Gives your attorney more room to work with

Looking “cooperative” won't help you if you end up handing them the rope.

🛡️ How We Help Clients Who Already Spoke

If you've already talked, don't panic—but don't wait, either.

We'll:

• Review recorded statements

• Determine whether your rights were violated

• File motions to suppress your statement if it was improperly obtained

• Build a defense that puts the state back on its heels

📞 The Smartest Call You Can Make Is the First One

Before you talk to anyone, talk to us.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense attorney in Ruston, Louisiana
🖥️ Or schedule a free consultation right now

🔄 Coming Next in the Common Mistake Series:

• Mistake #2: Posting About Your Arrest on Social Media

• Mistake #3: Trusting That the Charges Will “Go Away” on Their Own

• Mistake #4: Pleading Guilty Just to Get It Over With

• Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.