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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Posts
    1

    Default If You Talk to the Police Can They Use Your Statements Against You,

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: maine
    Last week the police came to my house, telling me they want stolen items back. I had no idea what is was about so I let them in. Inside they pointed out things that were picked up at yard sales and flea markets and were reported stolen. They asked me all sorts of questions and I answered them. They never told me I was being recorded. I only moved to the USA a short while ago and english is my second language. Therefor I might have said some things wrong or answered questions that I did not totally understood.
    I understand by telling them to come in they did not need a search warrant. But if they told me they would record me I would have asked them for a translater to make sure I did not give any wrong answer.
    My question is if they can use anything I said on tape against me?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Police Records Me Without Telling, I Answer in My Second Language

    there is no law in Maine requiring a person to seek permission from any other to record a conversation they are a party to.


    In the US, you always have the right to not speak. You chose to. Unless you are in a custodial detention, they do not have to advise you of your Miranda rights (you can Google that)

    For English being your second language, you seem to have a very good grasp on it, at least as seen in your writing.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Police Records Me Without Telling, I Answer in My Second Language

    Regardless of whether your answer was recorded, your statements could potentially be used against you. A recorded statement, in this situation, is likely in your best interests.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Police Records Me Without Telling, I Answer in My Second Language

    If the police misunderstood something you said, be sure to discuss the misunderstanding with your lawyer.

    If you were in custody at the time you made your statements, you can talk to your lawyer about whether your Miranda rights were read to you and, if not, whether that might offer grounds to suppress. You can also discuss any language issues you may have encountered while trying to understand your Miranda rights.

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