interesting
- Thread starter DemitriousK
- Start date
I used to be in the camp of "If you are innocent you have nothing to hide" but not after living to the age I am now and seeing plenty.
And no, I have never had occasion to be accused of any crime, but if that day comes I will NOT talk to the police willingly. I know that will automatically convict me to my neighbors and media............but I will deal with it ON THE OUTSIDE of prison
And no, I have never had occasion to be accused of any crime, but if that day comes I will NOT talk to the police willingly. I know that will automatically convict me to my neighbors and media............but I will deal with it ON THE OUTSIDE of prison
I was questioned once. On the street, walking home from the gym, minding my own business.
Cop car pulls up behind me and the cop asks me to stop. I do, confused. She asked me where I was coming from, what I'd been doing prior, and if I had any tattoos (!). I answered each question, mostly because I didn't even know WHY I was being asked. Once she saw my tattoo did not match description (after radioing someone), I was let go. But not until she told me they were looking for someone who had just ROBBED A BANK, who matched my description (clothing and all) except for my tattoo.
They way it all happened, if I was brought in, I wouldn't have even been in the frame of mind to shut my mouth and ask for a lawyer. I would have openly talked to them!
It's scary.
Cop car pulls up behind me and the cop asks me to stop. I do, confused. She asked me where I was coming from, what I'd been doing prior, and if I had any tattoos (!). I answered each question, mostly because I didn't even know WHY I was being asked. Once she saw my tattoo did not match description (after radioing someone), I was let go. But not until she told me they were looking for someone who had just ROBBED A BANK, who matched my description (clothing and all) except for my tattoo.
They way it all happened, if I was brought in, I wouldn't have even been in the frame of mind to shut my mouth and ask for a lawyer. I would have openly talked to them!
It's scary.
There's only one sentence you need to know if you are sitting in a room with cops: "I want an attorney."
That bit about "anything you say" being used against you? That may be the only time they are telling you the truth. An interrogation will consist of you being told lie upon lie after half-truth upon half-truth.
That bit about "anything you say" being used against you? That may be the only time they are telling you the truth. An interrogation will consist of you being told lie upon lie after half-truth upon half-truth.
This is so sad. This isn't the first time I've heard advice like this, and I don't know what to think about it
Part of me understands the logic perfectly, and thinks this is sound advice. But I can't help but wonder how much harder this philosophy makes a police investigation. How would I feel if *my* loved one was murdered, but the police couldn't get anyone to even answer questions about it?
It's a hard situation all the way around.
Part of me understands the logic perfectly, and thinks this is sound advice. But I can't help but wonder how much harder this philosophy makes a police investigation. How would I feel if *my* loved one was murdered, but the police couldn't get anyone to even answer questions about it?
It's a hard situation all the way around.
It's not what you think about it, Gem, it's whether you follow it or end up rotting in jail - or at the very least, spending tens - or even hundreds - of thousands of dollars you don't have to defend yourself for something you didn't do.
Oh, and by the numbers, the prosecution wins over 80% of the tiime.
No matter how much money you spend on your case, the State will outspend you by a huge margin. They will do whatever they have to do to win. It's about promotions and re-election, not justice. It's rare that anyone actually gives a rodent's rear whether or not they've got the right culprit, just that the case is closed successfully.
You know how two wrongs don't make a right? Same goes for two victims.
Oh, and by the numbers, the prosecution wins over 80% of the tiime.
No matter how much money you spend on your case, the State will outspend you by a huge margin. They will do whatever they have to do to win. It's about promotions and re-election, not justice. It's rare that anyone actually gives a rodent's rear whether or not they've got the right culprit, just that the case is closed successfully.
You know how two wrongs don't make a right? Same goes for two victims.
You had a very rare experience, Smkie. VERY rare. The Universe was taking care of you that time, for which I am profoundly grateful.
I've clocked in tons of hours working on cases that should never have been tried . . . all because someone thought that since they hadn't done anything it was safe to talk to the cops.
I've clocked in tons of hours working on cases that should never have been tried . . . all because someone thought that since they hadn't done anything it was safe to talk to the cops.
If you find yourself sitting in a cop car or a cop shop being asked questions, that's when you want an attorney.
If you're accosted out on the street, keep your answers short and to the point, as close to yes and no as possible, and do your best to have someone with you at all times.
It's not a bad idea to have someone you can dial up on your cell who knows ahead of time if they get a call from you where you don't talk that they should listen closely.
If you're accosted out on the street, keep your answers short and to the point, as close to yes and no as possible, and do your best to have someone with you at all times.
It's not a bad idea to have someone you can dial up on your cell who knows ahead of time if they get a call from you where you don't talk that they should listen closely.
I know what you mean Gemp, but it's not too likely that a GUILTY person (IE one who hurt my hypothetical loved one) is going to answer any questions honestly anyway.........that is what evidence is for.
It truly stinks, but it's nothing new. It goes back a long way, thus feeling the need for the fifth amendment in the first place LOL
It truly stinks, but it's nothing new. It goes back a long way, thus feeling the need for the fifth amendment in the first place LOL
