Recently, I've had two families share with me two disturbing stories, both outrageous and a violation of their constitutional rights. They both shared with me something that I've advised in the past never to do...take a police interrogation lightly.
Most innocent people believe that police officers " must " look out for them, meaning that many falsely believe the police have their welfare in mind. This is not always so! In fact, I've advised many citizens that the only official that has a constitutional obligation to assist you is your attorney.
The parents problem above... permitting their children to be interrogated by police without an attorney present! Later the children were arrested due to that interrogation. Remember, you or your children are not obligated to interview with ANYONE, period! Always ask for an attorney, no matter what!
Here are some do's and don'ts:
1) When police officers question underage children, THEY must ask the parents for permission to question the child and the parents MAY sit in on the interrogation, if they elect. The solution:
As soon as any police officer ask you to interrogate your underage child, ALWAYS refuse, period! Seek out an attorney, and follow his advice! Underage children (and most adults) are not smart enough to really know a cop's full intention!
2) If your young adult children, who are above the designation of minor, are asked to be interrogated, the police DON'T need your permission to interrogate the young adult. They may simply attempt to interrogate him or her without your knowledge. Even though the young adult may only be 17,18,or 19 years of age, he's still considered an adult. Many young people at these ages are still naive. The solution:
Inform your young adult children NOW, right now, before coming across any police officers, to ask for an attorney if arrested for ANY crime! Inform them "clearly", when they hear the words "you're under arrest", quit talking.
3) Do be courteous and polite with your demand to see an attorney, but be steadfast and don't give in to these types of comments from the officers below:
a) " If you got nothing to hide, why not talk to us or give us a statement ".
b) " If you tell me what happened, I'll speak with the district attorney or judge to reduce your sentence". (This is actually a violation that the officer could be fired for). He can't make any promises. They usually make these kinds of statements when they know they aren't being taped! Please note: Police officers are permitted to LIE though to get a confession! Read that again!
c) We don't believe you meant to do what you did, we believe it was probably an accident, and we'll' work with you ". ( yeah right! )
d) " Get it off your chest, you'll feel better ". ( He will certainly feel better! )
e) God want you to tell us the truth! ( tell the truth later, with your attorney present, God want have a problem with that! )
Always remember, many police officers receive promotions, higher pay, and accolades for arrests and crime solving. They have mortgages, college tuitions, and bills to pay just like you. All cops are not bad cops, but many are bad cops. The problem is, you don't know which is bad and which is good! Better to err on the safe side and trust none of them!
