Help! If an investigator from a District Attorney's Office comes to your door

[hang a left]

to ask you questions about someone possibly being involved in a crime, do you have to speak to them??

I had two men come to the door to ask me questions. They played the tough guy with me. I didn't tell them anything other that I asked if I was in some kind of trouble. They said "no but if you were we'd be hauling you off for the weekend." I asked them if I needed an attorney and they said "no".

Can someone help me out here??

[Monkeyman]

1. Lawyer up

[redacted]

13. I see no reason for him to lawyer up if he is a witness. If he did something

wrong -- thast another story.

Most people know if they've committed a crime. So I suspect our OP is a potential witness of some sort.

[lonestarnot]

2. What did they wanna know?

[hang a left]

4. They wanted to ask questions about someone we know.

[lonestarnot]

10. So did you wonder about your answers?

[hang a left]

12. I didn't say anything. They actually asked to speak to my husband. nt

[lonestarnot]

18. Oh. So no one actually spoke to them, but you do know who they

want to speak to you about. I suggest to speak to them, unless you could incriminate yourselves with some involvement, then best to get a lawyer and that's no legal advise mind you, as I'm no lawyer, just a wise ass.

[DemKR]

8. Determine whether you are being approached

as a suspect or as a witness. Remember you ALWAYS have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Questioning is supposed to stop immediately when you do. Remember also they are allowed to lie or exaggerate about evidence in order to extract a confession--if you are being approached as a suspect, regardless of your innocence or guilt, do not say anything and inform them you want to talk to an attorney.

Since you are not under arrest they do not have to read Miranda rights either. I would suggest calling an attorney now and will perhaps lead you in the right direction. They can probably contact the DA to see what it's all about.

Good luck.

[hang a left]

14. Perhaps that is why they came on a Friday at 5PM

We couldn't reach our attorney.

[DemKR]

17. They usually come at an "inopportune" time

Because that's a time you're likely to be in home. Usually it is in the early morning or late evening hours.

[Chipper Chat]

3. Did you ID them and get their badge numbers?

Call the FBI.

[hang a left]

6. They both gave me cards and showed me a badge.

[youngdem]

5. Get a lawyer. Worth it every time in a criminal matter.

You can end up on the wrong side of a situation in a heartbeat, facts be damned. And your rights mean NOTHING unless they think you have a lawyer watching your back.

[SoCalDem]

7. Look them straight in the eye, and say

"The chicken was tasty, and the qumquats were rotten"..then wink at them :)

[redacted]

9. Seems odd. I know DA's and DA investigators. They are good folks usually.

They would not threaten you.

Did you get id/badge numbers (here they are deputized) I'd call the office and confirm who they are. IF they are who they say they are -- it wouldn't hurt to honestly answer their questions. It may exhonerate someone.

[lonestarnot]

11. Isn't it assumed that one always does that?

[redacted]

15. You would think so but some people don't think that about it. Having

guys in badges show up unannounced at your door can be stressful for any number of reasons. Not everyone thinks clearly under stress.

[lonestarnot]

19. True that.

Stress wierds people out sometimes.

[crikkett]

16. remember it's a felony to lie to a federal officer

even by mistake

[WorldResident]

20. Only some states have an equivalent state law like that

n/t

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

21. Unless You Know Fully The Situation And Are Willing To Cooperate, Do Not Talk To Them.

Always say you will not talk to them without the advice of an attorney. If you choose to talk, DON'T EVER LIE TO THEM. If you do, you very well could be arrested for obstruction.

[lazer47]

22. Always remember Miranda

"anything you say can be used aganist you" GET,, I repeat GET,, an Attorney