The police would like to interview me
It’s a call or knock on the door that can make your stomach drop. The police say they want to ask you a few questions—not because you are being charged with anything, but because your significant other is. Maybe it’s a criminal investigation. Maybe it’s already headed to court. Either way, they want your help.
It sounds harmless enough. After all, you’re not the one in trouble… right?
Not so fast.
Here’s the truth: if the police want to interview you about your partner’s charges, you need to be extremely careful. Whether it’s your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, or even ex—you should never speak to the police without first talking to a lawyer.
Let’s unpack why.
You’re Not “Just Helping Out”
Police officers are trained to investigate and gather evidence. When they reach out to you, it may seem like a casual conversation—but it’s not. They’re building a case. And while they may say you’re not a suspect, anything you say can still be used in ways you might not expect.
Even if you think you’re just clarifying something minor or defending your partner, you could accidentally say something that hurts them—or you.
Let’s say they ask:
“Did he come home around 10:00 p.m. last Friday?”
You answer truthfully:
“No, it was more like midnight.”
Seems simple. But if the police believe the crime happened at 11:00 p.m., you just gave them a piece of the puzzle. Maybe your partner told them something different—and now there’s a contradiction they’ll use in court.
Even small details can be twisted, misremembered, or misunderstood.
You Could Be a Witness—or a Suspect
Sometimes, people think, “Well, I have nothing to hide.” And that might be true. But the line between witness and suspect can shift quickly. Maybe you’re asked about your partner’s whereabouts. Then about something you said. Then about something you did. Suddenly, you’re being viewed differently.
In some cases, law enforcement might even suspect you’re helping your partner avoid charges—or that you were involved in some way. It might not be true. But once that suspicion is there, your words will be scrutinized.
Remember: you don’t need to be under arrest to be in legal danger.
You Have a Right to Remain Silent—Use It
This isn’t just TV drama. It’s real law.
You have a constitutional right not to speak to the police. That right protects innocent people just as much as anyone else. Exercising that right doesn’t make you look guilty. It makes you smart.
If the police contact you, the safest thing you can say is:
“I’m not comfortable answering questions without speaking to a lawyer first.”
That one sentence can protect you from a world of trouble.
What If I Want to Help?
You may feel torn. Maybe you know your partner is innocent. Maybe you want to clear up a misunderstanding. That’s human. But wanting to help doesn’t mean jumping into a conversation with police unprepared.
Here’s a better approach:
Talk to a lawyer first. They’ll help you understand what’s going on and what your rights are.
Let your lawyer communicate with the police if needed. If there’s something you can safely say, your lawyer can guide you.
Stay calm. Police might act like time is critical. But in most cases, waiting a day or two to speak to a lawyer won’t change the outcome—it just protects you.
What If I’m Subpoenaed?
If you’re ordered to testify in court (meaning, you receive a subpoena), that’s a different story—but it still doesn’t mean you go in blind.
A lawyer can explain what kinds of questions you might face, help you prepare, and advise you on your rights. In some situations, you may be able to assert spousal privilege or Fifth Amendment rights, depending on the nature of your relationship and the case.
The bottom line: never go to court alone if you’re being asked to testify in a criminal case involving someone close to you.
Real Talk: Protect Yourself First
We understand. These situations are emotional. You care about your partner. You don’t want to seem uncooperative. But the legal system can be harsh, and good intentions don’t always protect you.
What does protect you? Legal advice, plain and simple.
At Cohen and Winters, we’ve helped people in your exact situation: contacted by police, unsure what to say, worried about what might happen. Our job is to protect you—your rights, your reputation, and your future.
If the police are asking questions, don’t answer them alone.
Call us. We’ll listen, and we’ll guide you through the next steps safely.
The police would like to interview me