Attorney List Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Not Talk to the Police

James Kirk Piccione is an attorney whose law offices are located in Louisiana.  On his site, he wrote an article listing the top ten reasons why you (yes, you) shouldn't talk to the police.  Very interesting.

REASON #1: Talking to the police CANNOT help you.

If the police are talking to you, its because they suspect you have committed a crime. If they have detained you, its because they already have enough evidence to arrest you and they want to see if you will admit it and thus, give them an even stronger case against you.

If they have evidence to arrest you for a crime, they will. If they dont, they wont. Its as simple as that.

Talking to them or not talking to them wont make a difference! No one has ever talked his way out of an arrest. If the police have enough evidence to arrest, they will. If you deny that you committed the crime, they will not believe you. They already have evidence suggesting that you committed the crime. Theyll assume youre just doing what every criminal does in denying the offense. It will not prevent you from getting arrested.

This is completely contrary to popular belief. For some reason, many people think that they are savvy enough
or eloquent enough or well educated enough to be able to talk to the police and convince the police not to arrest them. But ask any police officer if because of the eloquence and convincing story of the suspect, they have ever been convinced not to arrest somebody whom they had originally intended to arrest, and they will tell you no. They will tell you that in their experience, no one has ever talked themselves out of getting arrested. Talking to the police cannot help you. It cannot prevent you from getting arrested. It can only hurt.

REASON #2: Even if youre guilty, and you want to confess and get it off your chest, you still shouldnt talk to the police.

People plead guilty in America every day. Probably over 90% of defendants in state court plead guilty at some point during their case. There is plenty of time to confess and admit guilt at a later stage of the proceedings. Whats the rush? Get a lawyer first. Let the lawyer set up a deal whereby you get something in exchange for accepting responsibility for the offense. A better plea bargain, or maybe even immunity. If you confess to the police, you get nothing in return. Zero. In fact, you probably get a harsher prosecution because the states case is now airtight, now that you have confessed.

REASON #3: Even if you are innocent, its easy to tell some little white lie in the course of a statement.

This kind of thing happens all the time. A person who is completely innocent and who is trying to vehemently assert their innocence will go overboard and take it a little bit too far and deny some insignificant fact, tell some little white lie, because they want to sound as innocent as possible. But if the police have evidence of that lie, it makes your entire statement look like a lie. The prosecutor will ask: Why did he lie to the police? Why indeed would he lie to the police, unless he were guilty?

That little white lie could be used to destroy your
credibility at trial.

An example would be a man who is questioned about a murder. He wants to sound innocent. He wants to sound non-violent. He is, in fact, innocent. So he denies everything. He denies the killing. He denies being in the area where the killing occurred on the night that it occurred. He denies owning a gun, and denies that he has ever owned a gun in his whole life. But it Turns out that this last statement is not true, And the police can prove it. He did at one time during his life own a gun. Now he has told a lie and the police have caught him and things will only go downhill from there. Although he is innocent of the murder, he has told a lie that will be used to destroy his credibility at trial and could be the cause of his conviction.

REASON #4: Even if you are innocent, and you only tell the truth, and you dont tell any little white lies, it is possible to give the police some detail of information that can be used to convict you.

For example, a suspect is being questioned about a murder. He is truly innocent of the murder. But in the course of explaining his innocence, he makes the statement that he never liked the victim, because the victim was not a nice guy. A statement like that could be used to prove motive.

Or in the course of the statement, the suspect might admit that he was in the area of town where the murder was committed at the time it was committed. Although hes innocent and although this statement is true, the prosecutor could use that statement to suggest that the suspect had the opportunity to commit the crime, which looks very bad in front of a jury.

James Kirk Piccione

The rest can be read here: http://www.kirkpiccione.com/10-reasons-not-talk-police/

Mind you, this is Louisiana and justice there is rather...well.....

Still I found this to be interesting.  Do you agree or disagree with any of the reasons listed? 

Who's gonna read all that?themajormayor

Who's gonna read all that?themajormayor

He's dead right about it.

One more advice should be: don't hire dumb lawyers (or public ones), they'll **** you up.

He's dead right about it.

One more advice should be: don't hire dumb lawyers (or public ones), they'll **** you up.

Masculus

Something about this article rubs me the wrong way. It's working under the assumption that the police are talking to a person because they consider that person to be a suspect, but it's also entirely possible that they're simply talking to that person because they don't have any suspects and they're hoping to find a witness or something.MrGeezer

TC, what is your opinion on this ? It is interesting, but getting involved with the law period is quite stressful. Your better off minding your own business and staying out of trouble. Young_Charter

Good stuff 

Your opinion on his top 10 list.Young_Charter

This is all true... I have had lawyers and even police say the same things to me... 

The only things you should say to police:

- Name (required in most states, but you should tell them anyways).

- And in some states you are required to do this, but you should anyways everywhere to avoid bullshit... Inform them you have a conceal and carry on your person or in your vehicle if stopped.  Things can get out of hand very quickly if an officer asks for your license, registration, and proof of insurance and you open a glovebox without saying anything and there is a gun laying in there...

This is all true... I have had lawyers and even police say the same things to me... 

The only things you should say to police:

- Name (required in most states, but you should tell them anyways).

- And in some states you are required to do this, but you should anyways everywhere to avoid bullshit... Inform them you have a conceal and carry on your person or in your vehicle if stopped.  Things can get out of hand very quickly if an officer asks for your license, registration, and proof of insurance and you open a glovebox without saying anything and there is a gun laying in there...

Squeets

Did anyone else read that in William Shatner's voice?

Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.Cube_of_MooN

Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.Cube_of_MooN

Many police departments give over time hours for each ticket they write over their quota.. What defines a good DA to the higher ups is their conviction rate.. Regardless if the people that are convicted are innocent or not.. If police and the DA were trusted they wouldn't have the 5th amendment or having your rights being read, namely the right to remain silent..

[QUOTE="Cube_of_MooN"]Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.sSubZerOo

Many police departments give over time hours for each ticket they write over their quota.. What defines a good DA to the higher ups is their conviction rate.. Regardless if the people that are convicted are innocent or not.. If police and the DA were trusted they wouldn't have the 5th amendment or having your rights being read, namely the right to remain silent..

If they have evidence to arrest you for a crime, they will. If they don't, they won't. Its as simple as that.

James Kirk Piccione

The sinister blackshirts of the Obama regime will always be able to find the evidence ... whether or not it exists.

:|

what a load of bullshit.

what a load of bullshit.

frannkzappa

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

[QUOTE="Cube_of_MooN"]Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.sSubZerOo

Many police departments give over time hours for each ticket they write over their quota.. What defines a good DA to the higher ups is their conviction rate.. Regardless if the people that are convicted are innocent or not.. If police and the DA were trusted they wouldn't have the 5th amendment or having your rights being read, namely the right to remain silent..

[QUOTE="Cube_of_MooN"]Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.thebest31406

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

frannkzappa

what a load of bullshit.

frannkzappa

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

frannkzappa

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

[QUOTE="Cube_of_MooN"]Only thing I don't like here is how it seems to imply that the police are out to get you in prison regardless of your guilt or innocence. I think in many places the police aren't out to put someone in prison just for the sake of having someone in jail for a given crime. That list has circulated the internet for a while probably because the internet has a strong anti-police mentality for whatever reason, even though we have one of the best law systems in the world here in America (and other countries like Canada or Britain are also extremely good). I'm not trying to sound naive by saying that you should trust the police no matter what; you should be cautious if you are ever brought in for questioning, and should get a lawyer if you feel uncomfortable. But taking a very hostile attitude to the police during a questioning I think is bound to attract more attention to you, which can hurt you and motivate the police into looking more carefully into you.Cube_of_MooN

Many police departments give over time hours for each ticket they write over their quota.. What defines a good DA to the higher ups is their conviction rate.. Regardless if the people that are convicted are innocent or not.. If police and the DA were trusted they wouldn't have the 5th amendment or having your rights being read, namely the right to remain silent..

The fact of the matter is this.. If your apprehended and in for questioning.. Your a suspect.. And you talking with out a lawyer present is the best way to screw your self regardless of innocence... Innocent people in the past have had the death penalty carried out on them.. When it comes to cases, their goal is to close them as fast and cleanly as possible.. Just like a DA's main goal is to get the highest conviction rate possible.. It is illogical to go down the route you suggest when the only thing that can come of it is helping them building a case against you.

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

frannkzappa

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

thebest31406

i quote

"Even if you're guilty, and you want to confess and get it off your chest, you still shouldn't talk to the police."

how does that not hinder the legal process?

The fact of the matter is this.. If your apprehended and in for questioning.. Your a suspect.. And you talking with out a lawyer present is the best way to screw your self regardless of innocence... Innocent people in the past have had the death penalty carried out on them.. When it comes to cases, their goal is to close them as fast and cleanly as possible.. Just like a DA's main goal is to get the highest conviction rate possible.. It is illogical to go down the route you suggest when the only thing that can come of it is helping them building a case against you.

sSubZerOo

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

The fact of the matter is this.. If your apprehended and in for questioning.. Your a suspect.. And you talking with out a lawyer present is the best way to screw your self regardless of innocence... Innocent people in the past have had the death penalty carried out on them.. When it comes to cases, their goal is to close them as fast and cleanly as possible.. Just like a DA's main goal is to get the highest conviction rate possible.. It is illogical to go down the route you suggest when the only thing that can come of it is helping them building a case against you.

MrGeezer

Here is a video for a class made by an law professor and retired cop talking about why talking to police is never helpful for you

[QUOTE="Cube_of_MooN"][QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]

Many police departments give over time hours for each ticket they write over their quota.. What defines a good DA to the higher ups is their conviction rate.. Regardless if the people that are convicted are innocent or not.. If police and the DA were trusted they wouldn't have the 5th amendment or having your rights being read, namely the right to remain silent..

sSubZerOo

The fact of the matter is this.. If your apprehended and in for questioning.. Your a suspect.. And you talking with out a lawyer present is the best way to screw your self regardless of innocence... Innocent people in the past have had the death penalty carried out on them.. When it comes to cases, their goal is to close them as fast and cleanly as possible.. Just like a DA's main goal is to get the highest conviction rate possible.. It is illogical to go down the route you suggest when the only thing that can come of it is helping them building a case against you.

[QUOTE="thebest31406"][QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

it's full of blatant bias, and actively supports hindering the legal process.

frannkzappa

i quote

"Even if you're guilty, and you want to confess and get it off your chest, you still shouldn't talk to the police."

how does that not hinder the legal process?

Even if you are not a suspect talking to the police is bad. You could admit you did something that was illegal (lots of things are) or you could end up lying about something (accidently or intentionally) which could make you a suspect.

Here is a video for a class made by an law professor and retired cop talking about why talking to police is never helpful for you

 

 

Person0

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

[QUOTE="thebest31406"] How does talking to the police without a lawyer hinder the legal process? It is a part of the legal process.thebest31406

i quote

"Even if you're guilty, and you want to confess and get it off your chest, you still shouldn't talk to the police."

how does that not hinder the legal process?

He just wants business at the expense of legal expediency.

and you should know by now that i espouse that the state should always trump private.

[QUOTE="Person0"]Even if you are not a suspect talking to the police is bad. You could admit you did something that was illegal (lots of things are) or you could end up lying about something (accidently or intentionally) which could make you a suspect.

Here is a video for a class made by an law professor and retired cop talking about why talking to police is never helpful for you

 

 

MrGeezer

[QUOTE="thebest31406"][QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

i quote

"Even if you're guilty, and you want to confess and get it off your chest, you still shouldn't talk to the police."

how does that not hinder the legal process?

frannkzappa

He just wants business at the expense of legal expediency.

and you should know by know that i espouse that the state should always trump private.

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

[QUOTE="thebest31406"] Well he elaborates with saying that you should still talk to a lawyer first. You still take responsibility for the crime except the state doesn't completely dictate your punishment. thebest31406

He just wants business at the expense of legal expediency.

and you should know by know that i espouse that the state should always trump private.

well i value a just and expedient legal system over an attorneys wallet.

[QUOTE="thebest31406"][QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

He just wants business at the expense of legal expediency.

 

 

and you should know by know that i espouse that the state should always trump private.

frannkzappa

well i value a just and expedient legal system over an attorneys wallet.

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

[QUOTE="thebest31406"] Of course, this guy isn't a moral agent or a human rights advocate. He is a for-profit attorney, so much of his advice is probably geared toward you spending your money on him. Saying that, on it's own I think a lot of what was written is sound advice.thebest31406

well i value a just and expedient legal system over an attorneys wallet.

so do i, but this attorney is not interested in helping anyone but himself.

[QUOTE="thebest31406"]

[QUOTE="frannkzappa"]

well i value a just and expedient legal system over an attorneys wallet.

frannkzappa

so do i, but this attorney is not interested in helping anyone but himself.