Emergency FAQ: I Have Been Summoned for a CAD/CPIB Interview
1. Do I have to attend the interview?
Yes. Under Section 21 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), the police have the power to examine any person who appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of a case. Failure to attend can result in a warrant for your arrest.
2. Can my lawyer be in the room during the interview?
In Singapore, you do not have an immediate right to have a lawyer present inside the interrogation room while your statement is being recorded. However, you have a Constitutional right to consult a lawyer within a “reasonable time” after your arrest.
The Strategy: Our role is to brief you before you enter the room so you understand the legal boundaries of the questions you will face.
3. Must I answer every question they ask?
Under Section 22(2) of the CPC, you are bound to state truly what you know, except where the answer would have a tendency to expose you to a criminal charge, penalty, or forfeiture. This is known as the privilege against self-incrimination.
The Help: We help you identify which areas of the investigation carry the most risk to your liberty.
4. Will I be arrested at the end of the interview?
Not necessarily. Many individuals attend as “witnesses” to assist with investigations. However, a witness can become a “suspect” during the course of an interview. We monitor the status of the investigation to prepare for the possibility of arrest and to ensure Bail arrangements are ready if needed.
5. Can I see the evidence they have against me before I speak?
No. The investigators are not required to show you their evidence (such as emails, bank statements, or other witness statements) during the interview. They may “spring” documents on you to test your consistency.
The Strategy: We conduct a pre-interview “fact-finding” mission with you to reconstruct the timeline of events, so you aren’t blindsided by documents from years ago.
6. What happens if I make a mistake in my statement?
Once a statement is recorded, it is read back to you. You have the right to amend, clarify, or add to the statement before signing it.
Crucial Step: Never sign a statement that is inaccurate or “summarized” by the officer in a way that changes your meaning.
7. What should I do if they offer me a “deal” to confess?
Be extremely cautious. A statement made under “inducement, threat, or promise” may be inadmissible in court, but proving that such pressure existed is difficult.Our Role: If you feel pressured, you should inform us immediately after the session so we can lodge a formal contemporaneous objection.
