I wouldn't do this if that person were a federal agent. Lying to a federal agent is a serious felony. (Of course, you shouldn't ever say anything of substance to a federal agent without a lawyer.)

> Lying to a federal agent is a serious felony.

Not legal advice or anything but lying to protect one's own ass is a very special case of lying and gets much more protection than plain vanilla lying.

Depending on the situation you should either just decline to comment, or answer truthfully. Lying is usually bad.

I remember reading that federal agents are a special case.

You're screwed if you lie. You're screwed if you tell the truth. You're also screwed if you choose to remain silent, as that's used against you.

The only safe answer is "I cannot discuss that until I discuss it with counsel.

Tell that to Martha Stewart.

Watch the "never talk to the police" vido and be educated

Never talk to the police: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8z7NC5sgik

Do NOT lie if you are applying for a job requiring a high-level clearance!

That way, when they later run a background check, they find out that you are not just a criminal, but a lying criminal.

That will catch up to you.