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Yes, but I already have a lawyer, and I want to be polite. Police have plenty of ways to hassle you if they think you're a dick. And they'll reach that conclusi

Yes, but I already have a lawyer, and I want to be polite. Police have plenty of ways to hassle you if they think you're a dick. And they'll reach that conclusion quickly and arbitrarily. I heard a story about Larry Ellison pulled over by the police in the parking lot of Oracle. Apparently he said "Call my lawyer", handed them his lawyer's card, and walked into the building.

pdkl95 11y ago
This is not the time for improvisation. While your version may be fine, lawyers say to use these phrases and they have many good reasons why they choose the words they use. At best, your variation will be equivalent to the recommended wordings, and you add the risk that your wording may not cover everything or a misuse of legal terms. There is another reason to use the recommended phrase, too: it's a standard. More people will immediately understand your intent (regardless of how they respond). > I want to be polite While general politeness is always a good idea, the police are not on your side and you absolutely should not go out of your way to appease them. If they want to hassle you, they are going to do it anyway. In practice, they probably already made their quick-and-arbitrary conclusion before they started talking to you. Don't take my word for it - this is the advice any decent lawyer will give you. I highly recommend watching this[1] lawyer explain the public<->police interaction, corroborated by a police officer who explains how they try to scam you into talking. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc edit: fixed minor editing error
- talmand 11y ago
  I agree, that is an excellent video. I think it should be required to watch once a person reaches legal adulthood.
scott_s 11y ago
If you have a lawyer present, they will advise you on what to say.

pdkl95 11y ago

This is not the time for improvisation. While your version may be fine, lawyers say to use these phrases and they have many good reasons why they choose the words they use. At best, your variation will be equivalent to the recommended wordings, and you add the risk that your wording may not cover everything or a misuse of legal terms. There is another reason to use the recommended phrase, too: it's a standard. More people will immediately understand your intent (regardless of how they respond). > I want to be polite While general politeness is always a good idea, the police are not on your side and you absolutely should not go out of your way to appease them. If they want to hassle you, they are going to do it anyway. In practice, they probably already made their quick-and-arbitrary conclusion before they started talking to you. Don't take my word for it - this is the advice any decent lawyer will give you. I highly recommend watching this[1] lawyer explain the public<->police interaction, corroborated by a police officer who explains how they try to scam you into talking. [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc edit: fixed minor editing error

talmand 11y ago
I agree, that is an excellent video. I think it should be required to watch once a person reaches legal adulthood.

scott_s 11y ago

If you have a lawyer present, they will advise you on what to say.