Freedom from self-incrimination

Nobody can be forced to incriminate themselves. This not only means that suspects are allowed to remain silent during interrogations by police, prosecutors or the court. It means, that you don‘t have to assist the investigation in any way, shape or form.

So you don‘t have to tell the police where possibly incriminating evidence is hidden or what the passwords or codes for your electronic devices are.

And you should make use of this right. If you are the defendant in a criminal procedure, it‘s always advisable to first mandate a lawyer so that he can request access to the investigation files.

Only by knowing the content of these files are you and your  lawyer able to understand why the investigative authorities see you as a suspect and can work out a suitable defense strategy.

 Every criminal defense lawyer can tell a lot of stories about clients who „just wanted to resolve everything“ by talking to the police, instead of consulting with a criminal defense lawyer first and  thereby considerably worsened their situation.

If the police or prosecutors send you an invitation to be interrogated as a suspect you should hire a lawyer immideately.