CRIMINAL DEFENSE
When Cops Go Silent… Don’t Say a Word
Verified Credentials
Reggie & Njeri London
Co-Founding Partners
Co-Founding Partners
Texas Bar verified. Reggie London (Texas Bar No. 24043514) and Njeri London (Texas Bar No. 24043266) are the co-founding partners of L and L Law Group, PLLC — based at 5899 Preston Rd, Suite 101 in Frisco, Texas (Collin County), with many 5-star Google reviews, and available 24/7 for criminal defense consultations.
Quick Answer
Bottom line up front: You have the right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment) and the right to counsel (Sixth Amendment) at every police encounter. *Miranda v. Arizona*, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), requires officers to inform custodial suspects of these rights. The most important phrase: "I want a lawyer."
Texas legal context
- For the canonical L and L Law Group reference framework on Texas criminal procedure, see the defense process Guidebook covering investigation, arrest, bond, trial, sentencing, appeals, and record-clearing.
- Texas statute of limitations under CCP Article 12.01 varies by offense. Most misdemeanors carry a 2-year limit; most felonies a 3-year limit; many sexual offenses against children have no limitation. SOL analysis applies to every when cops go silent… don’t say a word case touching older conduct.
- Texas criminal cases involving when cops go silent… don’t say a word require careful analysis of the specific facts, the controlling Texas Penal Code or Code of Criminal Procedure section, and the county prosecution practices. At L and L Law Group, our analysis begins with the indictment or information and walks back through the investigation.
- In Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties, prosecutorial discretion shapes how cases like when cops go silent… don’t say a word resolve. The first 30 days after arrest are critical — that is when pretrial diversion, bond conditions, and informal disposition are most flexible.
- Constitutional defenses applicable to when cops go silent… don’t say a word include the Fourth Amendment (search and seizure), Fifth Amendment (self-incrimination), and Sixth Amendment (right to counsel and confrontation). The Texas Constitution Article I provides parallel — and sometimes broader — protections.
Authored by L and L Law Group, PLLC. (972) 370-5060. info@landllawgroup.com.
Key Legal Terms
- Miranda Warning
- Required pre-interrogation advisory under *Miranda v. Arizona*, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), informing custodial suspects of their right to remain silent and right to counsel. Statements taken without Miranda are inadmissible in the State's case-in-chief.
- Fourth Amendment
- Constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Texas Constitution Article I § 9 provides parallel — sometimes broader — protection. Foundation of suppression motions in every criminal case touching evidence.
- Custodial Interrogation
- Interrogation while in police custody, triggering Miranda requirements. Custody is determined by whether a reasonable person would feel free to leave under the totality of circumstances (Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420).
- Riley v. California
- 573 U.S. 373 (2014) — Supreme Court decision requiring a warrant to search digital data on a cell phone seized incident to arrest. The doctrinal foundation of cell-phone-search defense.
Our Experience
In our practice defending Texas criminal cases, we have represented clients in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant County criminal courts on the full Texas Penal Code and Health & Safety Code spectrum. Reggie's prosecutor background in Dallas County means we know the State's evidentiary playbook; Njeri's trial-trained motion practice anchors the suppression-driven defense work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk to the police in Texas?
No. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I § 10 of the Texas Constitution protect your right to remain silent. *Miranda v. Arizona*, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), requires officers to inform custodial suspects of this right. The single most important phrase: "I want a lawyer."
Can police search my car without a warrant in Texas?
Sometimes. The automobile exception to the Fourth Amendment allows warrantless searches based on probable cause. Plain view, search incident to arrest, inventory after impound, and consent are other exceptions. We attack on probable cause, consent voluntariness, and scope of the search at every stop.
Can I refuse a search of my phone?
Yes, absent a warrant. *Riley v. California*, 573 U.S. 373 (2014), requires a warrant to search digital data on a cell phone seized incident to arrest. Officers may try to obtain consent — you have the right to refuse and require them to obtain a warrant.
What should I do if police pull me over in Texas?
Stay calm, keep hands visible, provide license/insurance/registration when requested, and otherwise invoke your right to remain silent and to counsel. Do NOT volunteer information. Do NOT consent to a search. If asked "Have you been drinking?" — politely decline to answer questions without a lawyer.
When do I need a lawyer in a Texas criminal case?
Immediately. Pre-charge counsel often prevents charges entirely. Once charged, retain counsel before the first court date. Every interaction with law enforcement, prosecutors, or magistrates without counsel risks evidence and waivers that constrain later defense.
References & Authoritative Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 by Njeri London and Reggie London, co-founding partners, L and L Law Group, PLLC. This content is reviewed for accuracy at least every 12 months and when statutory or case-law changes occur.
Attorney Advertising Disclosure. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this content or contacting L and L Law Group, PLLC through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
About the Authors
Njeri London
Co-Founding Partner
Texas Bar No. 24043266. Admitted: TXND, TXED, 5th Circuit. Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Focus: Fourth Amendment motion practice, drug-crime defense, federal cases. Verify on Texas Bar
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Reggie London
Co-Founding Partner
Texas Bar No. 24043514. Former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney. Extensive felony trial experience including DWI dockets. Verify on Texas Bar
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Charged with a crime in Texas? Talk to L and L Law Group.
Co-founding partners Reggie London (Texas Bar No. 24043514) and Njeri London (Texas Bar No. 24043266) personally handle every case. Free consultation. Frisco, Texas.
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