During arrests and custody:
- Do not argue with the police.
- You cannot talk your way out of being investigated, arrested or prosecuted. Do not try. Any explanation you give the police may give them more information than they already have, so it’s often wise to save your explanation and defenses for court.
- If you have been arrested, the police believe you committed a crime. Their job is to investigate and gather evidence. Telling the police your side without a lawyer present is usually a bad idea, even if you believe you have done nothing wrong. Only your attorney and the judge have the power to make things easier for you.
- Pay attention to what happens when you first encounter the police and thereafter. Try to memorize who was there to see and hear what happened. Sometimes the court needs to look into what happened to you while you were in custody. It will help you if you can later fully inform your counsel about these events, so be observant.
- Do not tell your family and friends all about it or ask non-lawyers for legal advice. It is possible they may be ordered to appear at trial to repeat what you said.
- Tell your attorney the whole truth. Your lawyer will advise and defend you no matter what you did or did not do.
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