Why you should never talk to the police

[Good Times]

A video everyone should watch.

Video: Watch me! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc)

enjoy!

[mastacox]

After watching the whole thing, I have to say it's a really eye-opening video. It will definitely make me think twice in the future...

[Bob98SR5]

good info, lance. even more relevant that the cop validated and agreed with the lawyer

[Seanz0rz]

very good.

i will never allow an officer to search my vehicle without a warrant. advise from my uncle, an investigator for the DA.

[AxleIke]

Good video

Couple things to keep in mind.

That applies to "persons of interest", or suspects, etc...

If you are witness to a crime, you have to be careful. You can always consent to answer questions with a lawyer present, or stop answering questions at any time. However, if you are indeed a witness, you also tread the ground of withholding information or interfering with an investigation. Both of which will land you in jail.

So be careful. Never talk to the police is the great advice if you have been arrested. Don't do it. If you haven't been though, and the police don't specifically tell you they are looking for witnesses, don't do it without first consulting a lawyer.

Couple of things I liked about the cops side. Miranda. Not a right. The cop did a great job of pointing that out. Your rights were always there. People are just stupid.

He talked about waiving Miranda. Not to worry, you cannot ever do this. You can choose not to exercise your rights, but you can just as quickly choose to start at any time.

If the cops ever try to get you to "waive" your rights, or tell you that you "waived them" so you have to talk to them, its total bullshit. At ANY point during ANY conversation with ANY officer of the court, you can assert your rights as spelled out in ANY part of the constitution, though mostly you'll be concerned with the 5th or 6th, likely. If you start talking to the cops, and don't like where the conversation is going, you can end it. Just stop talking.

Speeding is a funny one, and one that isn't really good any way you slice it. Speeding is a strict liability crime, meaning no mens rea is necessary to assign guilt. "Do you know how fast you were going?" Doesn't matter in the slightest.

With speeding you gamble the officer's mercy is all. Do you tell him yes, in the hopes that he is forgiving, and lets you off? Do you tell him you don't know? Do you say, "40" even though the limit is 35? Up to you. If he decides to give you a ticket, doesn't matter if you knew it or not, if your car malfunctioned, or if you can't read the signs. You were speeding, you are guilty.

Sean, also good advice. However, the automobile exception makes that sort of irrelevant if they really want to. All they need is probable cause, and they can search without a warrant, and they generally won't do that unless they've got something they can sneak by as "probable cause" in court. Not worth the hassle otherwise.

Anyway, good flick.

[Seanz0rz]

another uncle has pulled that one on several occasions, and he has never been searched. once asked, he replied get a warrant, the officers stepped back, talked, and let him go with no further challenge.

[corax]

Excellent video. I'd also like to add a book called "Outlaw's Bible" by E.X.Boozhie, if you're interested in Constitutional Rights. It was written in the late 80's by an ex-con and is an easy read
http://images.alibris.com/isbn/9780915179800.gif

[AxleIke]

another uncle has pulled that one on several occasions, and he has never been searched. once asked, he replied get a warrant, the officers stepped back, talked, and let him go with no further challenge.


I agree with you 100%. If a cop asks to search my car, I will ALWAYS say no, without a warrent. Just pointing out that they don't need one.

They WILL try to see you you are dumb, and say "sure, i've got nothing to hide".

[AxleIke]

Excellent video. I'd also like to add a book called "Outlaw's Bible" by E.X.Boozhie, if you're interested in Constitutional Rights. It was written in the late 80's by an ex-con and is an easy read
http://images.alibris.com/isbn/9780915179800.gif


Curious on the book. Is it a discussion on a convict being denied rights? I may have to check it out.

As for a read on constitutional rights, I recommend a great document, goes by the name of "The US Constitution".

You'd be shocked and disgusted by the number of people in this country who've never read it.

[Jerm]

That was a very good video to watch, thanks for posting it.

[corax]

Curious on the book. Is it a discussion on a convict being denied rights? I may have to check it out.


Currently out of print, but not difficult to find a copy on ebay or using google
from the back cover:
"There are so many statutes on the books in the United States that you simply can't get through a day without breaking some law. For those who anticipate trouble with the law, or who are interested in how criminal justice works in the United States, The Outlaw's Bible is essential reading.

The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, high school civic classes, law schools -- all preach the theory of law. This book shows how it is practiced. It explains what each of our Constitutional guarantees mean, how they have been amplified or nullified by the courts, and how you can expect them to be applied when it comes to your own case.

The Outlaw's Bible contains amazing research into the way Cops and Robbers is played in the United States, without any of the jargon used to obscure the workings of justice. The book provides realistic advice on how to protect yourself in any dealings with the legal system."

from alibris.com:
"About this title: Below are two books which the average citizen can read and do the legal work necessary. Even if you don't do any legal work, these books will help you make sure your lawyer is doing his job! "For the non-angels among us, this 'jailhouse lawyer' manual can be a handy reference and eye-opener. Interesting, tasty, and scary". -- Whole Earth Review "Excellent and comprehensive treatise by a self-taught con on how to manipulate the law to one's own advantage". -- Hustler The best "jailhouse" law book ever published -- for people on the outside who want to stay there. This is a real life civics lesson for citizen lawbreakers: how to dance on the fine line between freedom and incarceration, how to tiptoe the tightrope of due process. Covers detention, interrogation, searches and seizures. The only non-violent weapon available for those on the wrong side of the law. "




As for a read on constitutional rights, I recommend a great document, goes by the name of "The US Constitution".

You'd be shocked and disgusted by the number of people in this country who've never read it.


Very true. However, even more disturbing is how our gov't is eroding our rights and no one even cares as long as it's being done in the name of safety or "national security" -- but that might be another thread entirely . . .

[AxleIke]

Very true. However, even more disturbing is how our gov't is eroding our rights and no one even cares as long as it's being done in the name of safety or "national security" -- but that might be another thread entirely . . .


Amen brother. I've been preaching that for years.