In the state of Colorado, detectives can contact you if you’re suspected of a crime, or if you might be a witness to a crime that you didn’t necessarily take part in. Seeing officers come to your door can be a scary thing. Getting a call from a detective is even worse. Read this Blog and it may be the difference between getting arrested and convicted and never getting charged with a crime. Know your Rights to protect yourself and your family!
What Happens When Detectives Contact You?
If you’re the suspect in an investigation, detectives will likely contact you. Do you have to talk to them? Too many people think that if they have nothing to hide that they should go in and talk to a detective, clear the air, fix any kind of misunderstanding. This, however, can make the biggest mistake of your life. By willingly talking to the detectives, you allow them to get something out of you that you didn’t mean to say—or say something just because of the pressure of talking to the police.
It’s recommended that you preserve your rights and say nothing to the police. If you’re contacted by a detective over the phone or in-person, just tell them you want to preserve your 5th amendment right against self-incrimination, your 6th amendment right to an attorney, and your 4th amendment right against unlawful search and seizure. By doing this, you protect yourself from admitting something you didn’t mean to admit. This also gives your defense team more room to defend you because they are not restricted by statements you made to the police. You are not stating that you are guilty by protecting your rights. By talking to detectives, you only make their jobs easier and put yourself in jeopardy of being charged with a very serious crime.
What to Do if a Detective Calls You
If you’re contacted by a detective, you should talk to an attorney right away. Your attorney will be able to talk to law enforcement on your behalf and may be able to mitigate circumstances before charges are even brought to light. It is always in your best interest to seek legal counsel before it is too late. By staying a step ahead of the game, you ensure that you have the best legal defense options if your case does go to trial.
Often, when a detective calls someone and speaks to them over the phone regarding allegations, this conversation is recorded without the person’s knowledge. Too often, will people say things over the phone that they think won’t come back to haunt them. If you talk to a detective over the phone, you should assume that it is being recorded.
Talking to a Detective Over the Phone
Detectives might also have a spouse or someone in your inner circle call you. That person might attempt to keep you talking, in hopes that you will reveal information that can, in turn, be used against you. The police will also have that conversation recorded. This is called a pretextual phone call, and it is completely within the detectives’ rights during an investigation. The detectives will tell the person who is calling you to make promises such as “We can get back together if you just tell me the truth” or “I need to hear the truth; so the victim can get closure and move on”.
Police will use people close to you to get the information they want. They can even go as far as to put a wire on someone you trust who is really acting as an agent of the police, trying to get you to make statements that could incriminate you. The best thing to do is not speak with anyone about the details of your case except your attorney.
Police are not restricted in any way to get the information that they need. They can tell you whatever they think will get you to confess to a crime. Even if you say you didn’t do something 100 times, they will continue to ask you questions and try and get you to slip up. They may even pretend they believe you and that they’re on your side for you to trust them. Police will use this trust to get whatever evidence they need to make their case. They are not here to help you; they want to make their case as strong as possible is the end goal for them. Do you think the Police are not paid to protect you or obtain an arrest and a felony conviction?
Can a Detective Contact You During a Crisis Like COVID-19?
Yes, detectives can still contact people during COVID-19 because they can usually work remotely, meaning they’re able to do their jobs from home. This means they can still call you or even request a video interview so they can glean any information you might have. Remember, never answer phone calls from numbers you don’t know. If someone has something important to say, they’ll leave a message. If a detective leaves you a voicemail, you can easily forward it to your attorney so you don’t put yourself into harm’s way unintentionally.
Why You Need a Colorado Attorney if a Detective Contacts You
In Colorado, you have the right to have legal representation if a detective contacts you. Never answer a number you don’t know, and if someone shows up at your door, tell them you need to reach out to your attorney to speak with them on your behalf. It is your right under the law to have an attorney, and it’s the best thing you can do for yourself if a detective contacts you.
Bottom line: you may or may not have any idea why a detective is contacting you. In either case, you should protect your own best interests and steer clear of any conversations that could incriminate you, your friends, or family members down the line.
So to recap – call a lawyer for help not a detective if they are trying to prosecute you
See also
Darryl Dozier said
How long will it take to get a warrant for my arrest?
Colin said
It depends on a lot of factors. Please contact our office so we can assess your unique case.
Susan L JONES said
My daughter’s ex boyfriend has accused her of driving to his house and pointing a gun at him. What can my daughter do to prove her innocence?
Colin said
This is a complicated question. We would need more information. Please contact our office so we can better assess your case. Thank you.
Brandon said
A detective call my phone while I was at work and asked me to come to them and answer some questions could be for a number of things I do should go in or call them?
Colin said
You should never speak to a detective with out legal representation if you are going to speak to them at all. It is our experience that once detectives get in contact with you, you are probably a suspect. Nothing that you say can convince them of your innocence. It is best to exercise your 5th Amendment right to remain silent, your 6th Amendment right to counsel, and your 4th Amendment right against unlawful search and seizure. It is best to exercise those rights in that order. Please contact our office so we can better assist you in this situation. Thank you.
Kevin said
A detective was asking me questions about an incident but he also said the person was not pressing charges were they lying or just saying that tk try to get more information from me?
Colin said
I have no way of being able to determine if he is telling the truth or not. He is absolutely allowed to lie about that in order to get information from you, but usually when officers say someone isn’t pressing charges then they are telling the truth.
Derek said
Prior to reading this, I naively believed that agreeing to talk to the detective would clear me of what I know I didn’t do. So I agreed to meet with him, but after reading this I am reconsidering. Is it too late to exercise your rights if you’ve already agreed to meet?
Colin said
NO. You can exercise your rights at any point in time. Even if you are sitting in front of a detective and you have already started talking. If you exercise your 5th amendment (right to remain silent) before your 6th (right to an attorney), they can not use the fact that you asked for a lawyer against you. Please contact an attorney before meeting with the detective. Please contact our office for more information.
Katicia said
There was theft at my job because im one of the workers seen entering they say that i might be contacted. I missed the 1st attempt by the detective and was taken off the schedule at my job because of it. I just received a call today from the detective asking me to stop in tomorrow for a talk that shouldnt take more than 20 min and then i would be free to go. Im confused on if i should go or just excute my rights. And im scared my job will penalize me again behind not speaking with the detective any advice or insight is warrented this is in NYS by the way
Colin said
This office does not do New York State law. Whether you talk to a detective is completely your decision. If you want to speak to them you can. If you are afraid of incriminating yourself then I would speak to a lawyer. You do not have to speak to the detective if you don’t want to or if you are going to incriminate yourself. I do not know your job’s policy so I can not advise you on that. I would speak to an attorney in New York if you are concerned about this situation.
Brittney said
I got a call from a detective and they asked me to come in and meet with them to be questioned! Prior to this I already had a meeting but I chose not to speak to them without my attorney. Can I still do the same this time around? I am having a hard time getting my attorney to contact me after leaving messages with her. Any advice on what steps I should take as well?
Colin said
There is never a time that you HAVE to talk to a detective without an attorney present. You are always allowed to have an attorney during any kind of police questioning. It is your Sixth Amendment right to have an attorney present during all questioning and interrogations. If you are afraid of incriminating yourself than you have the right to say nothing at all. This all applies to if you are a suspect in a crime. Things are a little different if you are a witness to a crime. Contact our office if you need an attorney to assist you during the investigation process or for more information.
Nicole said
I was robbed an reported it to the police and about a week after a detective came asked me the same things the police did like to describe the person an ever since then he has been coming to my house like twice a month recently he told me he thinks I am lying an if I don’t tell him I am lying he is going to issue a warrant for my arrest what should I do
Colin said
Contact an attorney to advise you on how to protect yourself. If they are threatening an arrest, that means they could have evidence that you committed a crime. Contact our office for more information.
Crystal said
A detective called my husband about a wk ago n wants him to go this wk to talk to him about something he didn’t do. His ex wife has always lied about him they have 2 kids together but she keeps them away n brain washes the kids. We recent went to court so he can see his kids cause its been 7 years that she’s kept them away n feed them with lies. So judge said she had to let him see kids n she agree. But now that the judge has made her do that.he still has seen the kids n She lied n made cAPS report n said he touch the daughter inappropriately she always makes her kids tell him thing m bad words. Why all of a sudden she wants to lie n say things like that. All because the judge said she has to let him see the kids. She’s trying to fine a not her way so he can be kept away. Their his kids to why does she have to be so mean n cold heart. What should he do.
Colin said
He should contact an attorney right away. These are very serious allegations with very serious implications. Do not talk to the detective until you speak with an attorney. We are very experienced with this kind of issue. Please contact our office so we may obtain more information about your specific case.
steve said
I am a construction contractor, recently hired to do some work. I have a signed copy of the contract, and recently was contacted by a detective, and was served papers for a civil suit. The detective is telling me that I must go down to his office to give my side of the story. Is this required of me to drive to him? I told him he could come to my home and I would talk he demands I go there. This is all over a job started and the client is failing to request any changes as required in the terms of our contract.
Colin said
This is a civil matter. You will need to contact a civil attorney.
Don said
A detective wants me to come in to prove my innocence if I don’t go he said he will get a warrant for me. What should I do
Colin said
If he is saying that he can get a warrant, then there is nothing you can say that will prove your innocence. The only thing that going in and talking to him will do is lock you into a statement. You need an attorney right away! Contact our office so we can better assist you in this case.
Petula said
A detective from a different city than my residence shows up asking for me by last name requesting I come talk to him about a theft that he fails to tell me anything
Ezequiel said
A detective trying to call to my wife but she didn’t answer the call. And we trying to move to another province so can we still moving to other province still.
Ceasar said
Will a detective call and tell you to just pay what the person is asking for so I don’t have to write a report and start a case will he?
Colin said
NO – it is likely a shakedown call the police right away!
Mario said
What if a detective from another state is trying to get a warrant against me? I still don’t know if he is real or a scam, but I want to be ready. If he in fact is real how will I know that I have to go to court? Will I receive something in the mail? Will they come look for me personally in my house? Where will my court be? In my state or theirs?
Charlie said
I had a detective contact me telling me that a person has allegations against me but won’t disclose over the phone with me. He requested for me to come in and speak with him to give my side, I have absolutely no idea what this could be about. I told him he could come to me, but he declined to do that and wants me to come to him. Can you help me?
Colin said
YES – call the office this is very important!
Nick said
A detective just called me – He woke me up, I was half asleep when talking to him. He said they have video evidence of me finding and cashing a voucher at a casino. I did not admit to anything, but agreed to talk to him. He is coming over – what should I say – what should I not say?
Colin said
This is a style we spend millions training the police to do. Speak to the lawyer to protect you not the detective trying to convict you!
Camille said
I need a lawyer as soon as possible please!!!!
Colin said
Please contact our office to assist you with your matter.
Michelle said
A private investigator called me a couple days ago and wanted to speak to me about an incident at the job i used to work at. Am I obligated to talk or call them back?
Colin said
Our office has reached out to you via e-mail. Thank you.
Brandon Latham said
If some one took a car and the car owner didn’t see who it really was but if a friend that drop me off and i take off and he get caught tell the police that I was the one that did it and detctective asked them for there statement and of the police didnt catch me in the car or the owner can I still be charged if 2 witness happen say I was the one that took off with a stolen car so will I still be able get charged for it even if they didnt recover the car or catch me in it personal so what can happen
Colin said
Our office has reached out to you via e-mail. Thank you.
Erica said
My step daughter told police that a black figure came in her room in the middle of the night and touched her breast, she woke up and the black figure ran out. She is 18 yr old and her brothers are 18 yr old and 20 yr old. She told police that she don’t know who it was except that the black figure was short, no description no face, no complete sight of the black figure. She said that it could have been the 20yr old since he is short but she don’t know cause she did not see who it was. The police took statements from everyone in the house and gave her a card with a case number of “attempted sexual assault” the step daughter is my significant other kid and the two boys are mine. Everyone was sleep In the house except me..i was the only one up watching tv late. We are waiting for the detectives to do an investigation and see what happens next. Our family is torn apart because of these accusations about a black figure without a face , name or description. What should we expect next, will the 20yr old go to jail since he is short.
Colin said
Our office has reached out to you via e-mail. Thank you.
Jessica said
A detective called me and tried to meet face to face and said he has pictures for me to look at and is investigating a case and my name came up what does that mean am I being arrested??
Jessica said
A detective called me and said my name was brought up in a case he was investigating and he wanted to meet face to face and show me some pictures and he won’t tell me over the phone it has to be in person if I don’t he can have the court put a warrant out for my arrest am I a suspect and am I going to jail
Kyro said
yeah and I was also contacted by a detective too while at work he wanted me to come down to the police station to tell my side of the story while filmed and that station is pretty far too like its nowhere near my current or old neighborhood like why would a separate county call me I don’t even be over there
so I questioned him and asked what was this issue about and he was being kinda vague with his responses like he’s not very detailed made me felt funny in my stomach not only that but he also knew my name too and he knew where I live at well where I used to live at since I never told him where I moved towards then he asked if he can come over to pick me up at that location to give me a ride
And the funny thing is this happen a month right after I gave my so-called friend my phone number I’m not going to discuss too much about that but she has some issues with her self and tries to dump things on all me
but since I’m pure of heart optimistic happy-go-lucky person who tends to look for the good in people I foolishly gave her my number not knowing what her intentions would be like when she had it so can you help me out here I think I might need an attorney
Zachary Goodier said
So about a month ago my ex girlfriend filed an order of protection against me because that’s what she does to all her exes if you try to contact her in any way. She literally used to brag about it to me when we were still together along with being good friends with multiple police officers in her city. So I received the OOP 2 days after she filed it and ever since then I have NOT in any way shape or form tried to contact her. 1 week after receiving it a detective has been relentlessly harassing me by calling my cell phone and work phone threatening to get a warrant if I dont come to the station and talk to him regarding a “report that’s been filed.” I have not taken his calls or spoken to him at all. He claims I violated my order of protection which I can 100% guarantee that I did not. This has been going on for over 3 weeks and he finally emailed me 2 days ago saying hes filing for a warrant on Friday if I dont talk to him. I just dont know what to do. Wouldn’t he have already arrested me if he in fact had proof I broke the law in some way or would have already gotten the warrant? Especially since this has been going on for 3+ weeks. Personally I think hes lying to me and trying to intimidate me into going in and incriminating myself. What do you think?
Ameca said
My boyfreind got charged with child abuse for pushing he daughter down during an altercation they we’re having the detective contacted me asked what happen I told her she then stated my story was the 3rd one heard. My boyfreind was arrested a month later I showed up to the pilmanairy hearing but was put out for waving. I heard the detectives was walking around asking if anyone say what happened. So I contacted the detective and she was suppose to meet me and my children for a Statement but never showed up. What should I do and do have an idea why she did’nt show or call to reschedule.
Alex said
My boyfriend was accused of a crime and his case was sent to grand jury. A few weeks later a detective called me and said he needs to speak with me regarding his case. He said my name came up and that I’m not a suspect and they know I had nothing to do with it but he needs 20 minutes of my time. Can I refuse to talk to him? Do I need to get a lawyer because I know nothing and its odd he wants to speak with me.
may said
hi i have a cousin she have a problem of fraud credit card she stole it and police come to her house what next she gonna do.
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