3 Things You Can Do in 2010 to Stay Out of Trouble

Since we are on the cusp of the new year, I thought I'd spend a couple of minutes to outline 3 things you can do in 2010 to stay out of trouble with the cops. As a Seattle criminal attorney, I would always rather have less business than have people in my office with problems that could have been avoided if they would have just acted correctly. So, here we go.

1. Do Not Talk to Police

The worst thing you can do when confronted by the cops is talk to them. So many peopel feel like if they just explain to the cops what is going on they can talk their way out of the problem and move along with thier life. What they don't realize is that for the most part cops don't have any idea what happened in any given situation. Remember, they weren't there. The only way they can figure out what happened, and start arresting people, is to get people to talk to them.

And don't fall for their lines. When they say they will take it easy on you they are lying. When they say they only want to know what happened they are lying. When they say they are on your side they are lying. The cops are there to arrest people. Period. Talk to them at your own risk.

2. When in Doubt, Ask for a Lawyer

One of the saddest situation I see, and I see it on a daily basis, are people that could have gotten out of trouble or eliminated trouble altogether if, when they felt a little anxious, asked for a Seattle criminal attorney to help them out. Getting a criminal attorney on your side not only evens out the fight, it dramatically sways things in your favor. Cops are not smart. They only know what they've been taught. And they haven't been taught how to handle a lawyer (because so few people ask for one).

Getting a criminal lawyer to help you will make sure that you follow tip one and tip three, and will likely keep you out of a lot of trouble.

3. Never Ever Let the Cops Search Anything

This, along with tip number one, would save thousands of people from criminal charges every year. Believe it or not, the cops cannot just search your car, your person, or your house whenever they want. They have to have a warrant, an exception to the warrant, or your consent. And which of those sounds easiest to get? If you guessed consent, you are correct, even though it is the one thing people control over the cops.

Remember this rule if you remember nothing else out of this article - if the cops ever ask if they can search anything of yours, answer no. Even if you don't have anything to hide answer no. Especially if you have something to hide answer no. But in no circumstance should you answer yes. Make them do the work and come up with what is necessary to search your car. Don't just give it to them.

I hope 2010 is a great year for everyone. And if you find yourself in trouble with the law, follow these three tips to have the best chance of escaping unharmed.