Florida Shooters Network

Onree wrote:Things I've learned from watching The First 48...

Those that make a statement to the police end up in deep shit. Those that don't, tend to walk free.

Watch COPS. Everybody that gets caught has diarrhea of the mouth. Like it's going to help their case?

mjmensale wrote:Watch COPS. Everybody that gets caught has diarrhea of the mouth. Like it's going to help their case?

It's seems only natural that "cooperating" or "telling your side" will help you out, but when dealing with our system nothing could be further from the truth. Another example is that taking the witness stand when on trial is dang near guaranteed to get you locked up.

Don't talk, just state you were attacked and are very upset due to your life being threatened and that you now need to talk to your lawyer, period. Once they start making a statement most people just can't stop themselves and will keep on going to clarify or justify what they just said and before they know will find themselves in a world of crap...

The only thing positive that could come from talking to the police without your attorney present is that the police my make your stay a bit more comfortable.

Seeing as how your freedom for a good chunk of your life is on the line, I would not give any information to the police other than my identification. I would rather go through a rough night and possibly a few days in jail then assist them in sending me away for YEARS in PRISON.

The cops job is not to help prove your innocence, it is to gather evidence to help the DA convict someone of interest. If they are talking to you, you are that someone.

The only thing I would say is: My name is "X", I'm exercising my right to remain silent. When can I have my phone call?

Yes, they are going to rough you up. Yes, they are going to play all kinds of mind games with you to make you engage in conversation. You just have to ask your self this: What is your freedom worth to you?

You will likely have to make a 911 call before you talk with an officer.
The operator will try to get as much info from you as possible. Naturally these calls are recorded.
Keep it short and watch what you say without being evasive.
For someone who lives in the boonies the call may last for 1/2 hour while waiting for first responders, don't spend all that time running your mouth. It will bite you in the backside.

JoeC

Aside from "I was attacked and had to defend myself", the only possible thing you may want to say (right before you say "I'll be happy to cooperate more fully after speaking to me lawyer") is you should ID witnesses or evidence that may be overlooked. Other than that possibility, STFU.

winterhavendude wrote:The only thing positive that could come from talking to the police without your attorney present is that the police my make your stay a bit more comfortable.

Seeing as how your freedom for a good chunk of your life is on the line, I would not give any information to the police other than my identification. I would rather go through a rough night and possibly a few days in jail then assist them in sending me away for YEARS in PRISON.

The cops job is not to help prove your innocence, it is to gather evidence to help the DA convict someone of interest. If they are talking to you, you are that someone.

The only thing I would say is: My name is "X", I'm exercising my right to remain silent. When can I have my phone call?

Yes, they are going to rough you up. Yes, they are going to play all kinds of mind games with you to make you engage in conversation. You just have to ask your self this: What is your freedom worth to you?

Why bother even identifying yourself. Be hardcore. Freedom is worth $3.50. When in front of The Man, simply stare him down and state, ""Wanting people to listen, you can't just tap them on the shoulder anymore. You have to hit them with a sledgehammer, and then you'll notice you've got their strict attention."

You will likely have to make a 911 call before you talk with an officer.
The operator will try to get as much info from you as possible. Naturally these calls are recorded.
Keep it short and watch what you say without being evasive.
For someone who lives in the boonies the call may last for 1/2 hour while waiting for first responders, don't spend all that time running your mouth. It will bite you in the backside.

If possible, I'd get someone else to call.

If you have to call, you have to be very careful, as vague as possible. There was a guy down in Miami who had to shoot his tenant. One of the things they tried to hang him with was the 911 call. They asked how long ago the guy had been shot and he said "five minutes". He obviously meant a very short time, but since he mentioned a number, the prosecution tried to say he left the guy on the floor bleeding out for five minutes before calling 911.

I would say that relying on the attitude of the cop is a bad idea. Cops know how to talk friendly to people to keep a conversation going and they are allowed to tell you just about any lie.

Sure, cops play games. What's worse is that it doesn't necessarily matter whether they're on your side or not. The cops were on Harold Fish's side, but the DA wasn't. It was an open and shut self defense case until his attacker's family started talking about what a choir boy Kuenzli was. IIRC, Fish spent 3 years in prison.