Re:How I almost got a Criminal Record
by powertower on Friday June 17, 2011 @10:35AM
(#2665637)
I was watching "First 48 Hours" (show following real detectives) and when a suspect came in with a lawyer one time, the cops said on camera that this is a huge red flag for them. I'm assuming a red flag would mean they now think you're good for the crime and they should start connecting the dots right to you.
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Of course the cops on a TV show are going to say that. They know that many cases hinge on what a defendant says to them prior to getting a lawyer, and often that the defendant is his/her own worst witness. If no one spoke to the police without a lawyer present it makes the cops job much harder (as it should be) and prevents them from tricking people into self incrimination and/or flat out lying.
Consider this. Many police interviews are still not video taped. If you and a cop have a discussion by yourselves and what was said comes into question who will the prosecutor, judge and jury believe? That reason alone means you always want a 3rd party present.
If you are innocent and don't speak to he police without a lawyer then fine, let them try to connect the dots.
It's just propaganda. Their job is easier when they can manipulate people into incriminating themselves. Of course they want to scare people out of coming with a lawyer.
Just always remember: with a lawyer you can get away scott free even if you did murder someone.