Index:

Do not Speak With Police
Miranda Warnings
Police Tell Lies

It is important to remember that law enforcement officers are trained to investigate crimes. If you are questioned as a suspect, the law enforcement officer is seeking information and/or leads with which he can find sufficient evidence to convict you. Often, in this search for evidence, rules are bent and statements are taken out of context in order to enhance the probability of a conviction.. Law enforcement officers are, among other things, professional witnesses. This places anyone questioned at a great disadvantage since any discrepancies between an officer's testimony and an ordinary citizen will largely be construed to favor the officer.

Often law enforcement officers will make statements such as "I just want to get your side or the story..." or "it will go easier on you if you cooperate." The fact of the matter is that the officer is in search of evidence and if he/she had enough to arrest or charge you, he/she would have already done so. Moreover, a law enforcement officer has no authority or ability to cut deals so that it "will go easier on you." Only a prosecuting attorney has that power. You can still be cooperative. However, it is important to do so in a controlled setting where you have access to legal advice. Therefore, if a law enforcement officer wishes to question you about a specific crime, it is important to remain silent. Your silence cannot be used against you in court. You should also contact an attorney so that any interviews or questions may be conducted in a controlled environment with your attorney present.

MIRANDA WARNINGS

POLICE TELL LIES

A law enforcement officer has no duty to tell you the truth. They may lie to you. They may tell you that they have evidence implicating you in a crime. They may say they have evidence implicating another in a crime. All of these deceits are designed to manipulate you to make statements. Even statements that seem favorable to your position may be harmful. As a result, it is important to think of every single word you say as a piece of evidence that t an officer can use to build you a cell whether you are guilty of a crime or not. The less evidence that you provide, the better.

Know your Rights!