Police Want to Talk to Me. What Should I Do?
By Chad M. Seibel, former prosecutor · Last reviewed October 2026
A detective left a card at your door, called your phone, or asked you to "come in and clear things up." Before you say anything, it helps to know what that call usually means and what your rights are.
This page is general information about being contacted during a criminal investigation in Florida (sometimes called pre-arrest or pre-charge representation). It is not legal advice about a specific case.
Why Would a Detective Want to Talk to Me?
A detective may contact someone as a witness, as a possible victim, or as a suspect. The detective doesn't have to say which one. A friendly tone doesn't tell you which either. What you say may be written down, recorded and used later, including in a decision about whether to file charges.
Do I Have to Talk to the Police?
In general, no. The U.S. and Florida constitutions protect your right not to be a witness against yourself. You may politely decline to answer questions and say you want to speak with a lawyer first.
Say it clearly, for example: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I do not want to answer questions without a lawyer." Staying quiet without saying so may not be enough. Ask whether you are free to leave. Don't assume police must read Miranda warnings before every conversation, or that asking for a lawyer prevents an arrest.
If you receive a subpoena or court order, get legal advice promptly. It isn't an optional interview request.
Stay calm and polite. Declining to answer questions is not a crime. Running, physically resisting or interfering with an officer can be.
Don't lie to investigators. Knowingly and willfully giving false information during a felony or missing-person investigation, with intent to mislead the officer or impede the investigation, can be a separate crime (section 837.055).
Identification: in some situations, such as a traffic stop, you may be required to identify yourself or show a license. Ask a lawyer how this applies to you.
Searches: you may say you do not consent to a search of your phone, car or home. If officers have a warrant, don't physically resist. Let a lawyer address it later.
"I didn't do anything wrong. Why not just explain?"
People who are innocent sometimes say things that are misunderstood, incomplete or mistaken about a detail, and those statements can be used later. A lawyer can help you decide whether speaking makes sense at all, and if so, how and when.
Can a lawyer talk to the detective for me?
Yes. A lawyer can contact the detective, find out what the investigation is about where possible, and handle communication so that you aren't questioned alone. What happens next depends on the case.
What If There Is a Warrant?
If a judge has issued a warrant, a person may be arrested at home, at work or during a traffic stop. When a warrant exists, it can be better to plan how to address it than to wait. A lawyer can check for an active warrant and discuss options. See Failure to Appear and Warrants.
What Not to Do During an Investigation
Don't contact the alleged victim or witnesses about the case.
Don't delete messages, photos or social media posts. Destroying evidence can be a separate crime.
Don't post about the investigation online.
Don't agree to a phone call that someone else might be recording, or to a polygraph, without talking to a lawyer.
Talk With a Former Prosecutor Before You Talk to Police
Chad M. Seibel is a former Florida prosecutor. If a detective has contacted you or someone in your family, call or text 407-846-8008 for a free, confidential consultation before answering questions. From outside the U.S., dial +1 407-846-8008. You can also request a consultation online.
Attorney Chad M. Seibel, Of Counsel at Perez LaSure Law. Office in Kissimmee. Consultations and meetings available throughout Florida by appointment. Hablamos español. Atendemos em Português.
Official sources
Article I, Section 9, Florida Constitution (right against self-incrimination)
Section 837.055, Florida Statutes (false information to law enforcement)
Salinas v. Texas, 570 U.S. 178 (2013) (silence in a voluntary interview)