Do I Really Need a Lawyer If Police Want to Question Me in Chicago?

If you’ve been contacted by police in Chicago and asked to come in for questioning — or if officers show up at your door wanting to “ask a few questions” — it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do. Maybe you’ve been told you’re not a suspect. Maybe they say you’re just a witness. Maybe they promise that it’ll be quick and that it’s no big deal. But anytime police want to speak with you about a criminal matter, the situation is serious. And yes — you absolutely need a lawyer.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 100% innocent. It doesn’t matter if you think you can explain everything clearly. It doesn’t matter if the officer seems friendly. The moment police start asking questions related to a crime, you should stop answering and start protecting yourself. Talking without legal advice can lead to unintended consequences — including criminal charges, wrongful arrest, or damaging your chances of a strong legal defense.

Police Questioning in Chicago: How It Really Works

In Illinois, and particularly in Chicago, police investigations often begin long before someone is arrested or charged. Detectives might be gathering information, conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and narrowing down potential suspects. If you’re being asked to answer questions, there’s a reason. You may already be under investigation, or you may be one step away from becoming the focus of their case.

The Chicago Police Department is trained to conduct interviews in ways that are designed to extract information — not necessarily to clear up confusion or confirm your innocence. Officers can ask leading questions, make misleading statements, and apply psychological pressure. They’re legally allowed to lie to you. They can claim to have evidence they don’t. They can say someone else already told them everything. And you won’t know what’s true until it’s too late.

Even informal questioning — in your home, on the street, or over the phone — can lead to you saying something that police write down, interpret as incriminating, or use as justification to move forward with an arrest. Once that ball is rolling, it can be incredibly hard to stop.

Why People Talk — and Why They Regret It

People talk to police for all kinds of reasons. Some think that cooperating will make them look better. Others think they can “clear things up” by giving their side of the story. Some don’t want to seem guilty by asking for a lawyer. But none of those reasons will protect you in court. In fact, speaking without legal advice often makes things worse.

Police interviews are not casual conversations. They are structured and intentional. Every word you say can be taken out of context, twisted, or later used against you. Once you make a statement, even a minor one, it becomes part of the official record. If your story changes even slightly later, prosecutors may argue that you were dishonest or hiding something. You may be accused of obstruction, misleading investigators, or worse.

The bottom line? Police are gathering evidence — not trying to do you a favor. And that’s why you need someone whose only job is to protect you.

What Happens When You Say ‘I Want a Lawyer’

The moment you say, “I want to speak with an attorney,” police are supposed to stop questioning you. This is a constitutional right under both the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. It doesn’t mean you’re guilty. It means you understand that the legal system is complicated — and that your future matters.

Invoking your right to an attorney is not just smart — it’s necessary. Police will often try to discourage you from calling a lawyer. They may say it’ll delay things. They may suggest that only guilty people ask for lawyers. Don’t fall for it. The only person looking out for your best interest during an interrogation is your defense attorney.

Once you invoke your right to counsel, remain silent. Don’t answer follow-up questions. Don’t try to explain. Don’t try to be helpful. Silence — combined with legal representation — is your strongest protection.

Can’t I Just Go Talk to Them and See What They Want?

You can — but you shouldn’t. Walking into a police station or letting officers into your home without legal protection puts you in a vulnerable position. Even if you’re just trying to help or find out what’s going on, you’re walking into a situation where you’re outmatched and unprotected.

Officers are trained in interrogation techniques. You’re not. They may use a soft approach, offering coffee and saying you’re not in trouble. Or they may be aggressive, confrontational, and make threats about what could happen if you don’t cooperate. Either way, their goal is the same — to get information that helps their case.

Even if you don’t think you’re a suspect, that can change in a second. And if you’ve already made statements, those will be used to justify charges, arrests, or warrants. The smart move is to have your attorney contact the police for you. Your lawyer can find out why they want to speak with you, what the investigation involves, and whether it’s in your best interest to say anything at all.

Even Innocent People Need Lawyers

One of the most common — and most dangerous — myths is that only guilty people need lawyers. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Innocent people are questioned, charged, and convicted every day based on misstatements, faulty memories, or flawed evidence. Your innocence doesn’t protect you — but your lawyer can.

Your attorney’s job is to evaluate the situation, protect your rights, and stop things from escalating unnecessarily. They’ll make sure you don’t accidentally provide ammunition for charges. And if you are facing potential charges, they’ll work quickly to begin building a defense.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Protects You

When you hire a defense attorney before police questioning, you shift the power dynamic. You’re no longer a lone person facing trained investigators — you have someone in your corner who understands the law and won’t let you get steamrolled.

Your attorney will:

• Contact police or detectives on your behalf
• Determine the nature and purpose of the questioning
• Advise you on whether you should speak or remain silent
• Be present during any interviews
• Ensure police follow the law
• Challenge unlawful or unfair tactics
• Start preparing your legal defense immediately if charges are likely

This kind of protection can make a critical difference in whether your name stays out of court — or becomes part of a criminal file.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Arrested

The time to get legal help is the moment police contact you — not after you’ve been charged. Many people don’t realize they’re under investigation until it’s too late. They talk to police, thinking they’re helping themselves, and only later find out they made things worse.

By getting a lawyer early, you may be able to avoid charges altogether. If your case does move forward, you’ll have a head start on building a defense. Either way, you’re not guessing. You’re making informed choices with professional support.

Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg Before You Talk to Police

If police in Chicago have reached out and want to question you, don’t take chances. Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg before you say a word. We have defended clients during pre-arrest investigations, formal interrogations, and high-stakes criminal cases throughout Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, and Will County.

We know how Chicago police operate, how prosecutors use statements against people, and how to protect your future from the very start. We offer free consultations 24/7. Contact us by calling (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 to speak with a defense attorney who puts your rights first — before it’s too late.