What should you do if a detective contacts you? My name is Justin Wilson. I’m the founder and senior attorney at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, a criminal defense firm based in Frisco, Texas. Before starting the firm, I served as a prosecutor in the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, so I have seen how these phone calls are used to build cases. In this video, we talk about what you should do if you get that phone call from a detective.
A Detective Calling Means You Are Likely Under Investigation
First, you want to understand that nine times out of ten, if a detective is calling you, it means you’re under investigation for some sort of criminal offense. What they’re trying to do is get you to make admissions on a recorded phone conversation that they can use to add additional evidence to the arrest warrant they’re trying to get. You speaking to them is not going to help your case.
What To Do Instead
Be calm, be polite, take down their name and contact information, and then tell them that you are going to speak to an attorney before you make any further statements.
Contacted by a Detective? Call Us First
If you’ve been contacted by a detective, again, do not make any statements. Get their contact information and then reach out to us at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer. From our Frisco office we handle investigations and charges across Collin, Denton, and Dallas Counties. Call (214) 764-5535.
Related: Top 5 ways people talk themselves into criminal charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a detective call me?
Nine times out of ten it means you are under investigation. The call is often recorded, and the goal is to get admissions that add evidence to an arrest warrant application.
Should I explain my side to the detective?
No. Speaking to them will not help your case. Anything you say can become evidence against you.
What should I actually do on the call?
Stay calm and polite, write down the detective’s name and contact information, and tell them you will speak to an attorney before making any statements. Then call a defense attorney immediately.
