In an age of rampant police and DA abuse, here is some priceless, and simple, advice from two lawyers:
As strange as it may sound, I like lawyers. They can be very empowering, and their very simple advice is basically what the above attorneys are giving: “Do not let yourself be intimidated into speaking to the cops, or anyone else, without my presence.” Lawyers on TV, when walking into an interrogation, immediately tell their client to stop talking. I’ve asked one of the most successful attorneys in Oklahoma if this really happens, and yes, it does. They want you to stop talking yourself into a cell. Many cops will act like your buddy while coaxing damning information out of you, the DA will try to intimidate you into settling out of court. Don’t! Crooked cops, crooked DAs, vengeful idiots who might be using the legal system to harass you, are afraid of court. The courtroom is a sobering environment, and if you’ve shut your trap all the way up until you get into court, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the other side falls to pieces. Cases that are forced to go to court get thrown out all the time. Unfortunately, many people, usually poor or uninformed people, take plea deals just to get the circus over with, but end up walking away with a criminal record. Take to heart the above advice, and when some agent of the State is pretending to be your buddy, shut the f— up!
