Connecticut Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Pre-Arrest Playbook (From a Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer)
Most people’s first instinct is to be polite: “I’ll just call the detective back and clear this up.” I get it. You don’t want to look guilty, and you think cooperation will make it go away. The reality is that calling back without a lawyer can turn a manageable situation into a criminal case. This quick guide explains what that voicemail really means, your rights in Connecticut, and how I handle these calls for clients to keep things simple. Remember, everything you say to a police officer can and will be used against you.
What That Voicemail Usually Means
A detective doesn’t leave a friendly voicemail because they’re bored. It usually means one of three things:
• They want a statement to lock in details and test your story.
• They’re building probable cause and hoping you’ll fill in the last gaps.
• They already have paperwork (or are close) and are seeing if you’ll walk into the station.
None of those scenarios requires your help. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. In Connecticut, Miranda warnings aren’t required unless you’re in custody and being interrogated—so a “casual chat” at home or at the station can still be used against you.
Should I Call the Detective Back?
Short answer: No—let your lawyer do it. You have a constitutional right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment and Article I, § 8 of the Connecticut Constitution) and to consult an attorney before you say a word. Exercising those rights won’t “get you in more trouble.” Politely stop communicating, save the voicemail/text, and let counsel handle all contact.
If you absolutely must respond before you hire counsel (not recommended), keep it to one line:
“I received your message. I’m retaining counsel, and they will contact you.”
That’s it. Do not explain, apologize, answer questions, or agree to meet.
Know Your Rights (Connecticut & U.S. Constitution)
• You may decline to answer questions or give a statement.
• If you’re in custody (or the setting is custodial), once you invoke your right to remain silent or ask for a lawyer, officers must stop questioning until counsel is present.
• You can end the conversation with: “I’m not answering questions. I want a lawyer.”
• Miranda warnings are not required unless you’re in custody, so “off-the-record” chats can still be used against you.
How I Handle Detective Calls (So You Don’t Have To)
Here’s the typical plan when I step in:
• I call the detective and confirm the basics: what they’re investigating, your status (witness/subject/target), whether there’s a warrant, and what they actually want.
• No statement without counsel. I want to make it clear that we won’t be providing an interview.
• If an arrest is coming, I arrange a self-surrender at a sane time and place. We control the “when” so you’re not arrested at home or work.
• I front-load mitigation (employment proof, treatment, restitution ability, character letters) to influence charges and bond.
• I protect your record by steering toward diversion outcomes where appropriate or pushing for a quick non-court resolution when the facts allow.
Result: fewer surprises, better paperwork, less damage.
The Four Biggest Mistakes After That Voicemail
• Calling back to “explain.” You think you’re helping; you’re giving them evidence.
• Agreeing to a “quick meeting.” That’s an interrogation.
• Texting others about the situation. Screenshots become exhibits.
• Deleting messages or moving money. Looks like consciousness of guilt; it can be a separate problem.
What To Do in the Next 30 Minutes
• Stop communicating with the detective and anyone else about the facts.
• Preserve evidence: screenshots, receipts, GPS, call logs, bank records—don’t delete anything.
• Write a private timeline for your lawyer (not for the police).
• Call a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles pre-arrest cases in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, and throughout the state.
Special Notes for Fairfield County Cases
• Greenwich PD retail/financial cases: Plainclothes surveillance and coordinated stops are common. Don’t guess about “whose bag it was” or “why you were there.” Silence protects you.
• Stamford, G.A. # 1 Court flow: If an arrest is likely, I aim to time a self-surrender so your first court date lands cleanly and we’re prepared with mitigation, not scrambling.
• Out-of-state residents: Avoid travel arrests. We coordinate surrender, bond, and release conditions so you’re not stranded.
If You Already Spoke to the Detective
All is not lost—stop talking now and call me. Then:
• Email me the voicemail, call history, and any texts with the detective.
• Write down exactly what you said (word-for-word if you can remember).
• Gather documents that support your version (receipts, bank records, messages).
• Don’t try to “fix it” with a follow-up call. We take over from here.
Why Silence Doesn’t Make You Look Guilty
Judges and prosecutors see represented clients every day. Asserting your rights is a normal and expected part of the process. I routinely resolve cases where my client never gave a statement. Police are allowed to use trained techniques—you are allowed to use a lawyer.
Pre-Arrest vs. Post-Arrest: Why Timing Matters
Getting counsel before an arrest lets us:
• Influence charging decisions (misdemeanor vs. felony; fewer counts).
• Negotiate a self-surrender instead of a surprise arrest.
• Present mitigation early (restitution, treatment, character letters).
• Protect employment and licensing by avoiding ugly scenes.
Getting counsel after you’ve already given a statement often means we’re playing catch-up.
Quick Scripts You Can Use
If the detective calls again:
“I’m asserting my constitutional right to remain silent. Please contact my attorney, Allan F. Friedman, at (203) 357-5555.”
If a friend texts, “What happened?”
“Can’t discuss. I’m handling it.”
If the detective asks to “come by to clear this up”:
“I won’t be answering questions. My attorney will contact you to coordinate.”
Print those. Use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the detective back?
No. You have no obligation to speak. Have your lawyer handle it.
Won’t I look guilty if I don’t cooperate?
Exercising your rights is a legal and common practice. I communicate your willingness to resolve things through counsel—which is cooperation the professional way.
They said, “We just want your side.” Shouldn’t I tell them?
Not without a lawyer. If sharing your side helps, there are safer and more strategic ways to present documentation through counsel.
What if they say they’ll get a warrant if I don’t talk?
That’s their choice. Talking rarely prevents a warrant; it often supplies the last facts they need to obtain one. We handle warrants, bonds, and conditions professionally.
Can I text the detective that I’m innocent?
No. Any text can be used against you. Let counsel communicate.
What if I’m completely innocent?
Great—let’s keep it that way by not guessing dates, times, or details on a recorded line. Innocent people can misremember; recorded mistakes appear to be lies. We gather proof and present it correctly.
Will hiring a lawyer make them mad?
No. Detectives deal with lawyers daily. It actually makes their job easier and the process smoother.
Bottom Line
A detective’s voicemail is not a customer-service call. It’s the start of a process where every word can be used against you. Don’t call back. Call a lawyer. I’ll return the call for you, protect your rights, and—if needed—arrange a quiet, professional resolution.
Talk to Allan F. Friedman Criminal Lawyer Today
If a detective has reached out, call me now at (203) 357-5555 or use the contact form for a fast callback. I handle pre-arrest cases across Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, and the entire state of Connecticut. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to keep this small.
