Attorney Lance Kennedy of Lance Kennedy Law recently met with members of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 286 in Austin to talk about interacting with law enforcement and why it matters to understand your constitutional rights. The conversation focused on a situation that can catch a plumbing crew off guard: when law enforcement agents come to investigate an active construction jobsite.
We want to thank Local 286 for the invitation. Lance has personal ties to the union community, including a sister who is a Teamster, so time with organized labor means a lot to him. The people who build, wire, and pipe Texas start early, work in the heat, and keep the state running, so he shared his legal knowledge with them as a way to thank them.
Jobsite Encounters with the Police Call for Preparation
A construction site is a busy place. Equipment is running, deadlines are tight, and employees, subcontractors, and supervisors share the same space. When officers arrive, the moment can feel confusing, and many workers are unsure what to say or do.
Lance understands these encounters from the other side. As a former Assistant United States Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney, he worked with agencies like the FBI, IRS, DEA, ATF, HSI, and the Texas Rangers. He knows how investigators approach a scene and what they look for.
A few principles apply in many encounters with law enforcement, which he discussed with the union members, including:
- Stay calm and polite: Keep your hands visible, and do not argue, run, or physically resist, even if you believe the officer is wrong.
- Use your right to remain silent: You can say plainly that you do not wish to answer questions.
- Do not give false information: Declining to answer is different from giving an untrue answer, and a false statement can create a new problem.
- Ask whether you are free to leave: If the answer is yes, you can calmly walk away.
- Decline consent to a search: Say clearly that you do not consent. If officers search anyway, do not interfere, because your attorney can challenge the search later.
- Ask for a lawyer: Once you do, say you will not answer questions without one present.
On a jobsite, a few extra questions come up. Who has authority over the site? Do the officers have a warrant, and what does it cover? Asking these questions calmly and respectfully protects your options and keeps the situation from escalating.
Get Legal Help Rooted in the Austin Community
An encounter with law enforcement does not always lead to charges, but when it does, we are ready to help. Our trial lawyers and former prosecutors handle your case from start to finish. Our flat fee covers your case through trial, so you know the cost upfront, and if you are eligible under Texas law, we file your expunction at no additional cost beyond state filing fees.
We also know that missing a shift means missing pay. Whenever possible, we appear in court for you so you can stay on the job. Of the cases we closed this year, more than half were dismissed, and we work toward that result in every case. Traffic stops, workplace investigations, and arrests can lead to charges like DWI or drug cases, and we defend both.
If you or someone on your crew has questions after an encounter with law enforcement, call us at (737) 324-7540 or request a free case review. You can also download our Criminal Defense Battle Plan, which walks through six steps to fight your charges, too.