We talk to approximately 40 people a week who have either been arrested or might be arrested. A lot of common themes are heard in these calls which led to this post idea. Here are some things to know when dealing with the police. You don’t have to:
-Take a breathalyzer or walk the line or stand on one foot if you pulled over for a DUI.
-Come down to a station and answer questions because they want to talk to you. If asked you should have a lawyer call on your behalf.
-Say anything. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Don’t help them build their case even if they say they will go easier on you.
-Refuse to press charges. Sometimes they’ll tell you if you press charges then you also will be arrested (usually after a fight). Do what you want to do, especially if you’ve done nothing wrong and can prove it.
-Let them search your car. Again, why give them a chance to get evidence.
-Let them in to your house if they don’t have a warrant or probable cause.
-Ask for Miranda rights. If you aren’t being questioned they don’t have to read you your rights.
-Take a polygraph. Those tests are not reliable.
-Sign a statement. Just like you shouldn’t talk, you shouldn’t sign.
-Agree to talk without an attorney present. Doing so is basically giving up.
-Plead guilty. Every day charges are dismissed against people that are guilty of a crime. Don’t throw away your future because a cop tells you it will be easier. He just doesn’t want to testify in court.
-Take legal advice from a cop. We are stunned by the number of cops that tell the people that they arrest that the charge is no big deal. If it’s a misdemeanor you can go to jail for 364 days if convicted. It’s a big deal. Again they often say this just to make their job easier.
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