You’re going about your day when you get a call or knock at the door. It’s a police officer. They’re polite, maybe even friendly. They just have “a few questions” and would “appreciate your cooperation.”
Then comes the ask:
“Would you mind coming down to the station?”
And just like that, your heart rate spikes. Are you in trouble? Do you have to go? Are they trying to help—or trying to build a case against you?
Here’s the straight answer: You are NOT required to go to the police station just because they ask.
But let’s unpack why and what you need to understand before agreeing to speak with law enforcement.
Yes, and no.
Police can ask you to come in for questioning without a warrant.
They can call, show up at your door, or even approach you in public.
But unless:
you are not legally required to go to the police station or answer questions.
In legal terms, this is called a consensual encounter, and the keyword here is consensual.
If you agree to go, you’ve consented. If you refuse, they can’t force you—unless they escalate to arrest or detention (and that requires legal justification).
Police officers are trained in interview tactics. When they ask you to come to the station, it’s not always casual, even if it feels that way.
They may already suspect you of a crime.
Inviting you to the station is often a strategy to:
And because it’s voluntary, you won’t be Mirandized beforehand—so everything you say can still be used in court.
You’re walking into an environment where they control the tone, setting, and questions. Even if you’re innocent, this can go sideways fast.
If you respectfully decline to come in for questioning, that’s your right.
In Georgia, you are under no obligation to speak to police without a lawyer present, and you’re not required to go to the station unless:
Saying “no” won’t make you look guilty. It makes you smart.
Here’s an example of how to handle it:
“Officer, I understand you have questions, but I’m not comfortable speaking without an attorney. If I’m not being detained, I’m going to leave now.”
That one statement could save you from self-incrimination, or worse.
Plenty of people feel like they’ve done nothing wrong and want to “clear things up.” They think cooperating shows they have nothing to hide.
The problem? Innocent people get charged every day.
You may think you’re helping. The police may even seem like they’re helping. But without legal guidance, your words can be:
That’s why it’s absolutely critical that you:
Before you cooperate, talk to a lawyer who can assess the situation—and protect your rights from the moment questioning begins.
Here’s what you need to know about your rights in Georgia:
And if that’s the case, you deserve to know why.
If officers don’t have a warrant or probable cause, they can’t make you go anywhere. And if they do, they’ve crossed a legal line, and we can hold them accountable.
If police reach out and ask you to “come in,” follow these steps:
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we’ve helped countless clients who thought going to the station was “no big deal” until it turned into formal charges, or worse.
Whether you’re facing a serious felony or just worried the police are building a case behind your back, the best thing you can do is protect your rights from the start.
Don’t guess. Don’t assume. Don’t walk in blind.
If law enforcement has contacted you, even casually, call us before you go in for questioning.
We’ll tell you exactly what’s going on, what you’re walking into, and how to protect yourself. And if you do choose to speak with them, we’ll be right there beside you.
Serving clients across Georgia with relentless defense and straight answers.
You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Then contact us.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
