Police interaction
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Request a lawyer as soon as police start asking questions.
Officers may seek the simplest or fastest person to blame.
- In the UK, not talking can be held against you as evidence.
- You may need to hire a lawyer even for minor police assistance like reporting a crime.
3 people, independently
Be polite and respectful to police officers while exercising your rights.
Respect often leads to better outcomes and allows you to get away with more.
5 people, independently
Do not waive your rights just to be nice.
People who do this often end up seriously regretting it.
one person who lived it
Review your state's statutes to determine if identifying yourself to police is mandatory.
Certain jurisdictions require providing ID, and refusal can result in detention or obstruction charges.
3 people, independently
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Decline to undergo a polygraph examination when dealing with law enforcement.
Outcomes are often inadmissible in court, and the process can be used for interrogation without an attorney present.
4 people, independently
Understand that law enforcement focuses on securing convictions rather than uncovering facts.
They record all details to get the most from the prosecutor's likelihood of success.
3 people, independently
Consult a lawyer before returning a police call or visiting the station.
One person reported that speaking with a lawyer before going to the station resulted in a favorable outcome.
one person who lived it
If you encounter police, keep a pleasant demeanor and avoid acting like a sovereign citizen to reduce the likelihood of confrontation.
In one person's experience, police generally do not want a confrontation.
one person who lived it