Austin Police Are Not Your Friends
– HG, Texas
Answer:
I was reading an article on a prosecution website a few days ago. The prosecutor was writing about defendants testifying during their trial. One of the series of questions to a defendant is why were you doing the things that caused the officer to suspect the defendant of being intoxicated.
The prosecutor was encouraging the police to try to engage the defendant in conversation so as to lock in their story. Be the defendant’s friend. That way once the defendant talks to their attorney they won’t be able to craft a slick explanation of their actions.
Lesson one from this, the police do many good things for us, but when someone gets pulled over the police are not that person’s friend. Politeness on the part of the person being stopped is always a good choice.
Do not engage in polite chit chat. If you have taken medication or had a few drinks, politely refuse to talk. Don’t say anything other than your name, driver’s information and insurance.
You will generally be better off. Why help the prosecutors convict you?
This answer does not constitute legal advice, which can only be rendered after a full consideration of the facts of your case which is not possible in this format; nor establish an attorney-client relationship, which can only be done after you and an attorney meet and agree on the terms of that relationship. This answer is intended solely to provide general information about the justice system. Further, it does not provide the basis for making decisions about a course of action. Before making any decisions about a course of action readers are strongly encouraged to contact a lawyer and secure an attorney-client relationship. Readers must also understand that this format does not provide for confidential communication. Moreover, links to information on this site are for your convenience only and are not an endorsement or recommendation of those sites, and no responsibility is taken for any information at these linked sites, nor makes any representation or warranty with respect to these sites or the information contained therein.