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What to do if…
police say you are being reported for something and want “your side of the story” right now

Short answer

Don’t give “your side” on the spot. Verify it’s really law enforcement, then clearly say you are not answering questions and you want a lawyer; arrange any interview through counsel.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t try to talk your way out of it, explain, or “clear it up” in real time.
  • Don’t guess, speculate, or volunteer names, timelines, locations, or messages.
  • Don’t consent to searches “to prove you’ve got nothing to hide”.
  • Don’t hand over passwords, unlock your phone, or share device access.
  • Don’t meet for a “quick chat” without a lawyer, even if they say you’re “not in trouble”.
  • Don’t pay anything or give financial info to “resolve” the report — treat that as suspicious.

What to do now

  1. Slow down your body first. One minute of calm now helps you avoid saying something irreversible.
  2. Verify it’s real law enforcement (impersonation check). Ask for full name, badge number, agency/department, and a case number. End the call. Then call back using the agency’s publicly listed main number (not a number only the caller provides).
  3. Find out if you’re detained — and act accordingly. Ask:
    • “Am I free to leave / free to end this call?” If you’re not detained, you can end the contact and decline questions. If you are detained/arrested, stop talking and use the script below.
  4. Use a short, unambiguous script and then stop. Say:
    • “I am going to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Then do not answer questions. If pressured, repeat the same sentence.
  5. If they’re requesting an interview (phone or in-person), route it through counsel. Say:
    • “I don’t answer questions without an attorney. Please contact my lawyer to schedule anything.” If you don’t have one: “I will obtain counsel and have them contact you.” Then end the call.
  6. If officers are in front of you.
    • Ask: “Am I being detained?” and “Am I under arrest?”
    • Keep your hands visible. Don’t physically resist.
    • Repeat: “I am going to remain silent. I want a lawyer.” Then stop.
  7. Write down the contact immediately after. Note date/time, names, agency, case number, what they asked for, and any deadlines/pressure used.
  8. Get a lawyer early. Contact a criminal defense attorney. If you’re arrested/charged and can’t afford counsel, tell the court you need appointed counsel as soon as you’re brought before a judge and follow the local eligibility/forms process.
  9. Avoid creating more evidence against yourself. Until you’ve had legal advice:
    • Don’t talk about it by text, social media, email, or DMs.
    • Don’t contact the reporting person or witnesses to “fix it”.
    • Don’t delete messages/files in a panic.

What can wait

  • You do not need to tell your full story today.
  • You do not need to assemble evidence or write a detailed timeline right now.
  • You do not need to decide about an interview until you’ve had legal advice.

Important reassurance

Feeling a strong urge to explain is normal. But questioning is a legal process, and partial or panicked explanations can be misunderstood or used out of context. Staying silent and asking for a lawyer is a standard protective step.

Scope note

This is “first steps only” for the first hour after sudden police contact. Next steps depend on whether this is informal questioning, detention/arrest, or a request for an interview, and on the allegation.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. If there is an active emergency or immediate danger, call 911.

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