Not talk to investigators?

El Jefe

There are numerous cases of innocent people who have been sent to prison because they said something to an investigator that was used against them. Others started talking thinking that what they said would clear things up, and ended up making false confessions.

In addition, police have numerous tactics that they use to trick people into making incriminating statements. These tactics are aimed at suspects that the police genuinely believe are guilty, but sometimes they trip up innocent people as well.

There are also incidents where people are clearly not guilty of any crime at all, but in the course of making statements to police, give information that is believed to be false. If a jury can be convinced that the information is false, they have just talked their way into an obstruction of justice conviction. This is what happened to Martha Stewart...she was NEVER accused of insider trading, but convicted of lying to the police who were investigating her broker. She went to federal prison for making statements that she (and many of her supporters) still maintain were the complete truth.

It is unfortunate that we live in a society where talking to investigators can get honest people in trouble, but as long as we do, it is usually in anyone's best interest to say nothing other than, "I wish to speak to my attorney."

Jay

That advice is probably from an attorney who is wanting to make more money. If you are a witness to a crime, have information about a crime or criminal, you should be happy to talk to an investigator.

TuRboDog

The officer speaking to you is conducting an investigation with criminal charges, fines and imprisonment being his ultimate goal. NOTHING you say to him can help you, but ANYTHING you say can and WILL be used against you. Therefore it NEVER benefits you to provide him with information that WILL use to harm you does it? He isn't having a casual conversation, no matter how skilled he may be at relaxing you and getting you to open up. He is collecting evidence. So why help him to hurt you? "Shut the hell up" is the best advice anyone can ever give you about dealing with the police. The answer to every question should be a polite, " I respectfully decline to speak to you until i have spoken to an attorney"

"I want a lawyer" is the only thing you should ever say to a police officer.

ClanMan

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Nothing you say will be used for you.

Do not talk to the police is very good advice.

drew4allyou

The reason you want a lawyer present is so they can protect you against self incrimination.

Investigators have a way of asking questions in a certain way where you might not understand the point that they are getting at and you can give up information that can actually be used to prosecute you.

If you are really smart and know your rights well (esp in a stressful situation like being arrested) you may not need a lawyer.

all depends if you're guilty.

Michael Grossman

The attorney is only trying to protect you.

IE: If you are in an accident with an 18-wheeler, never talk to the investigators hired by the trucking company. Their SOLE PURPOSE is to build a case against you. They have many tricks that they will employ to hurt your case.

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