The truth doesn't set you free, silence does. So, shut the $%#! up!

There is an old Biblical passage that says, "the truth shall set you free."

That is not the case when it comes to contact with the police.

All too many people, when confronted by police, spill their explanations, trying to convince the cops that they're not guilty.

You have the right to remain silent. Let me repeat: You have the RIGHT to remain silent.

Why? Because EVERYTHING you say WILL be used against you. So, shut the $%@! up!

The cops very often do not have enough evidence to convict you, so they want you to talk. They want you to help them convict you. So, don't help them.

Cops will blow up, yell at you, threaten you, all kinds of silliness to badger you into talking. If you says you're not talking, watch them get furious. Why? Because cops think that pesky old right to remain silent isn't fair. But it is.

If you are confronted by the cops, whether you've done something wrong or not, politely decline to answer their questions. Say, "I'm not answering any questions - I want my lawyer."

Now, this is important: The Supreme Court of the United States has said mere silence isn't enough. You have to demand your lawyer. So, do both. Say, simply, "I'm not answering any questions. I want my lawyer."

The cops have to stop questioning you and they will usually just put you in a holding cell so you can make bond. Once you've "lawyered up," they're stuck.

So, shut the $%#! up and demand a lawyer.

(Required by Alabama law: No representation is made that the quality of legal services is greater than other lawyers.)