Why to never talk to police! Keep in mind for the new year.

[Betticus]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc

Just a little public service announcement, something to keep in mind for the new year on how to not get screwed over by the police.

 

[Betticus]

37 views and not a single comment, thought, opinion?

C'mon people, I know the vid is a little longish but if you agree with it or want to discuss it post it up.

 

[Sir_Winston54]

I thought it was hilarious. But then, I transcribe trials for (among others) criminal courts in a major metropolitan area, and I've heard, over and over and over again, all the points the professor made. (I stopped listening partway into the cop's presentation because I had work to do - the arson trial of a dummy who spoke to a cop and admitted that yes, he liked fires. )

One thing the professor didn't mention is that prosecutors will often twist statements made by suspects, or even completely mis-state what was said, or take two statements made at radically different points in the interview process out of context, put them together, and use them to paint the defendant guilty. I sit and type these transcripts and hear so many examples of what I would consider prosecutorial misconduct regarding statements made by (eventual) defendants, and wonder why in hell the defense attorney (usually Public Defenders, only a year or two out of law school) doesn't vociferously or even violently object.

One last piece of advice the professor didn't offer: If you're under suspicion of committing a crime - or even think you might be under suspicion - do NOT rely on a Public Defender to get you off. Even if you can't afford it, hire a private attorney experienced in the specific field and crime with which you are (or may be) charged. Spending a few grand to prevent a trial or to win it if it goes that far is far better than spending a few years in prison, or even having a misdemeanor conviction on your record, which could prevent you from getting a better job, working in many fields, etc.

 

[Etoile]

It isn't captioned.

 

[Betticus]

It isn't captioned.

Oh yeah.

Basically he gives several reasons to not talk to police. Part of the reason being that you are relying on the memory of the cop to get your statements correct and in context which is almost impossible. Every time one person talks to another there are at least some miscommunications. Another being the possibility that you'll be nervous and make statements that an be later twisted or misinterpreted.

The point is that making a statement on the spot cannot help you or be used in your defense but it damn sure can screw you over in court. Also, that there is no hurry to speak to the police when you can wait and speak to your lawyer. Your lawyer can then make any statements on your behalf once it's known exactly what the prosecution will be using against you.

Stuff like that.

 

[unregistered]

Thanks, Betticus.

 

[TallMan60]

I watched this a while ago, and I really thought it was good. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Betticus]

I watched this a while ago, and I really thought it was good. Thanks for posting it.

You!!! Get short and fat rite now, you're making the rest of us look bad.

 

[honoria]

Thanks Betticus,

It's good to have this reinforced. I'm also making my children watch it.

 

[Windflower]

Learned the hard way (years ago), the part where it is mentioned that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Thanks for sharing the link Bett.

 

[radepor]

Wow. All this time I thought I was simply paranoid, suffering from an irrational persecution(prosecution) complex; turns out I was right.

I have such mixed emotions it's pitiful. As a career FEDERAL civil servant (retired) I have a lot of emphathy for career police officers, prosecutors and judges who have to deal with horrific crimes tempered by the knowledge that the "SYSTEM" built up and bulit in to the criminal justice system too often rides roughshod over completely innocent people.