Robert Callahan
If you have any contact with police or other law enforcement authorities, it is NEVER in your best interest to speak w/ them before consulting an attorney One tactic frequently employed is one where the police call you on the telephone. They downplay the seriousness of the matter. “Just come on down and well clear this up in no time.” is what the officer says The unsuspecting person goes down to the station, is detained, interrogated without being read their rights, and later has statements attributed to them that they didn’t actually make. Sound unusual? Happens every single day in the city of Chicago.
I am always amazed at the disconnect between how individuals understand the law and what takes place in reality. Police make an arrest. They don’t read the arrestee their constitutional rights. They don’t allow a phone call. They use overly aggressive interrogation tactics. They will literally do anything to insure a conviction. Anything you say or do WILL be used against you, even though they will tell you otherwise. Laws of this country generally permit them to lie during an interrogation. They often do, and people are coerced into acting against their own interest, and contrary to their constitutional rights. They will tell you you are helping your case, while you are actually ensuring your own conviction.
If you are contacted by the police, call me immediately. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY CONTACT WITH THEM.
If you are arrested, SAY NOTHING until your lawyer is present. The police will most likely tell you ” you don’t need a lawyer for this” or ” you want to make it hard on yourself then?” or “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure the charges are dismissed later” or ” just sign this and well get you out of here”
Countless times I have been hired by people who could have been released w/o charges or been later found not guilty if they had only refused to speak until their lawyer was present.
Unfortunately, you cannot trust the police or any other law enforcement. Their objective is to convict you primarily,and they do not have your best interests in mind. They are often conditioned to ignore evidence which points to innocence, and to overemphasize evidence which points to guilt. This results in wrongful arrests, and the miscarriage of justice.
Quite simply, having an attorney present is your ONLY option.
Author 1593 > has blogged 22 times
