When the police are conducting an investigation, but don’t have enough evidence to detain or arrest you, they’ll try to get you to chat with them.  They may call this a “casual encounter” or a “friendly conversation,” etc.  If you cooperate, you’re likely to give them the very facts they need to arrest you. 

Sometimes, an officer will ask you to come to the police station “to answer a few questions.” ¹  Don’t do it.  There’s a good chance you’ll leave the station in handcuffs.  Just tell the officer no.  If you’re outside, walk away; if you’re inside, close the door; if you’re on the phone, hang up.  Then contact a criminal defense lawyer right away.


1.  "Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly.  The Spider and the Fly, line 1, Howitt, Mary.  http://www.maryhowitt.co.uk/poems.htm.