What Do You Do When the Police Want to Talk?
The police are knocking on your front door. They want to talk to you about a crime that you may or may have not committed. In fact, they may not even say that you’re a suspect — they just want to know your recent whereabouts and activities.
happy when accused individuals invoke their Fifth Amendment right because it relinquishes their ability to take control and even manipulate the information you provide. However, when you think of it as a constitutional right that came from a time of war and political misjudgment, it’s easy to see why it’s such an important American right. The truth is that most guilty and innocent people don’t understand that speaking to a law enforcement officer will usually result in their being accused of a crime — yes, even the innocent people. The truth, as someone unfamiliar with the court system may present it, doesn’t always adhere to legal language. Plus, when you’re being accused of a crime, it’s easy to get nervous and lie or say misleading things. Even a well-intentioned officer can construe your words to point toward your guilt. The only case where this is different is during a traffic stop. However, always ask if you’re free to go. Say, “I want to remain silent” from the start, and say, “I do not consent to a search” instead of resisting (they may search anyway), and if they give you a ticket anyway, give your name, birthdate, and sign the ticket or you can be arrested. No matter if you’re guilty or innocent, you deserve fair treatment in a court of law. To ensure you get fair treatment, don’t forget to stay quiet, and call our expert criminal lawyer when under pressure by an officer.
What do you do?
Do NOT talk to them. Call your criminal defense lawyer. It’s important to be polite and be honest when speaking to the police. Lying to an officer can get you into serious trouble, even if you wouldn’t have been before. Say, “Thank you for coming to speak with me, but I invoke my Fifth Amendment right and must call my lawyer if you want to discuss anything further. Best of luck.” What is the Fifth Amendment, exactly? The Fifth Amendment is the accused’s right to remain silent and not “be compelled” to act as a witness against oneself. That means you don’t have to tell anyone about your business, what you were doing, or when you were doing it — at least, not by yourself.
Unfortunately, the Fifth Amendment has been slightly politicized over the years. Not all politicians and judges are
Andrea’s Kitchen
Want to enjoy the decadence of the holiday season without adding too much to your waistline? Swap red meat for fish and serve this delicious, easy dish. Crispy Fish With Brown Butter Sauce
Inspired by BonAppetit.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 5-oz Chilean sea bass or salmon filets, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts, chopped • 2 tsp lemon juice • Lemon wedges, for garnish
Candles Celebration Jingle Jolly
Mistletoe Ornament Present Santa
Sleigh Stocking
Directions
1. In an unheated skillet, add oil. Season fish with salt and pepper, then add to skillet (skin-down). 2. Heat the skillet to medium and cook for 4 minutes. With a spatula, press each filet down, rotating between filets every few seconds. When the skin begins to crisp, stop pressing and cook 8–10 minutes, then flip and cook for another minute. Remove the fish. 3. Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add the butter and hazelnuts. Heat, swirling continuously, until butter foams and browns. Remove from heat. 4. Stir in lemon juice and season to taste. Pour over fish, garnish, and serve with salad.
Wassail Wreath
You never have to go it alone if you’re charged with a crime or face any other legal issue. If you or a loved one is in trouble with the law, call me right away at 310-424-3145. I’m here to get you the legal help you need (and if your issue is outside of my areas of expertise, I can connect you with other trusted, experienced attorneys). LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT
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