"When should I call or hire an attorney?"

It is crucial that you secure legal representation as early in the process as possible in order to protect your rights. An attorney may be able to cooperate with the police to either prevent an arrest or, if an arrest is inevitable, arrange for your surrender at a time and manner designed to minimize embarrassment to you and your family.

"The police want to question me, what should I do?"

While you should always be courteous with police officers, cooperation with an investigation of either yourself or a family member rarely benefits the targeted individual. It is often best to simply give your name and other identifying information, while refusing to give a statement. Do not discuss the situation with them. A surprising number of convictions occur because of the defendant's own words. Police officer can lie or trick you into giving a statement. To prevent this, you should simply tell the police that you wish to speak with a lawyer and refuse all further contact.

"What should a person expect if he or she is arrested?"

You will be brought to the police station for booking, a process which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and obtaining your biographical information. You will be allowed to make a telephone call. You should contact either a lawyer or a family member who can secure a lawyer for you). Depending on the crime with which you have been charged, a bail commissioner will look at your criminal background, and release you. He or she will require a nominal fee and sometimes will set a bail amount. Once the bail is received by the police, you should be released.

"If I am stopped while driving and the police ask me to perform field sobriety tests, what should I do?"

While the police will inevitably ask you to perform the tests, you should always refuse to perform them. If you have been pulled over under suspicion of operating under the influence, even perfect performance on a field sobriety test will not convince an officer of your sobriety. You have the right to refuse the tests and your refusal cannot be used against you at trial or in any subsequent proceeding (including RMV hearings).


Attorney Crouch practices in a wide range of areas of criminal law. He often represents clients in appellate matters before state and federal courts. It is crucially important for you to secure dedicated, skilled legal defense to protect your rights. Please contact Attorney Crouch at (617) 742-4111 or email him at acrouch@andrewcrouch.com to set up a consultation.