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>>> As already pointed out in another comment, don't volunteer that you have pot on you. At least make 'em work for it. Oh, you were thinking they were going to

>>> As already pointed out in another comment, don't volunteer that you have pot on you. At least make 'em work for it. Oh, you were thinking they were going to go easier on you? It doesn't work that way. Actually it does. I've had several incidents in states where medical marijuana is legal, but you have to have a card. Possession without the card is illegal. Both times we were up front with the cop and he thanked us for being honest. He only gave us a citation for a fine, confiscated our weed and then sent us on our way. Or you can "make em' work for it" like you said. You can bet the cops are not only going to get you on the possession, but then you get arrested and now if you're driving and you test positive for THC, now you're looking at an impaired driving or driving under the influence, which can get you reckless driving or reckless endangerment if you had passengers. If you were a real douche to them, then they start looking at obstruction or impeding an investigation. Sure, if you get yourself a decent lawyer, most of those charges could be dropped, but that doesn't change the fact you spent a few nights in jail, had to post bond and now have a court date and now have to explain to your employer why you missed three days of work. Trust me, it's always better to cooperate with the cops. Being a dick is just going to get you more trouble.

pmorici 12y ago
There is a difference between not cooperating and being a dick. You can do the former politely and not incriminate yourself.
enjo 12y ago
If you're telling the truth, you are incredibly lucky. Hell the guy in the cited article was absolutely cooperative and now he's very likely going to jail and ultimately will likely be deported. If he had chosen to simply invoke his 5th amendment right, he very likely would have left that incident a little bit poorer (traffic violation) but not much else.
- lutusp 12y ago
  > If he had chosen to simply invoke his 5th amendment right ... The right to be silent, and the right to avoid self-incrimination, are distinct rights. Being silent during interrogation doesn't necessarily mean one is exercising a fifth amendment right.
mikeash 12y ago
In the several incidents you cite, how would the cop have found your weed if you hadn't been up front about it?
mikestew 12y ago
> Actually it does. Did you not read the article? My comment was a counterpoint to the actions of a person who did exactly what you recommend, and now he's facing ten years. > Trust me, it's always better to cooperate with the cops. If we're going to play a round of Anecdotal Evidence: Home Edition, I can tell several stories of how keeping my mouth shut worked out just fine, and one story of how cooperating was the worst of all the choices available to me.
lutusp 12y ago
> Trust me, it's always better to cooperate with the cops. Trust me -- an experienced defense lawyer will tell you in no uncertain terms to do exactly the opposite. 1. Exercise your right to be silent. 2. Do not volunteer any information. 3. Ask whether you are under arrest, and if the answer is "no", leave and engage the services of a competent attorney. > Being a dick is just going to get you more trouble. This is what the cops always tell you as they try to get you to abandon your rights. But the cops are allowed -- nay, encouraged -- to lie during interrogations, something the suspect cannot do without dire consequences.

pmorici 12y ago

There is a difference between not cooperating and being a dick. You can do the former politely and not incriminate yourself.

enjo 12y ago

If you're telling the truth, you are incredibly lucky. Hell the guy in the cited article was absolutely cooperative and now he's very likely going to jail and ultimately will likely be deported. If he had chosen to simply invoke his 5th amendment right, he very likely would have left that incident a little bit poorer (traffic violation) but not much else.

lutusp 12y ago
> If he had chosen to simply invoke his 5th amendment right ... The right to be silent, and the right to avoid self-incrimination, are distinct rights. Being silent during interrogation doesn't necessarily mean one is exercising a fifth amendment right.

mikeash 12y ago

In the several incidents you cite, how would the cop have found your weed if you hadn't been up front about it?

mikestew 12y ago

> Actually it does. Did you not read the article? My comment was a counterpoint to the actions of a person who did exactly what you recommend, and now he's facing ten years. > Trust me, it's always better to cooperate with the cops. If we're going to play a round of Anecdotal Evidence: Home Edition, I can tell several stories of how keeping my mouth shut worked out just fine, and one story of how cooperating was the worst of all the choices available to me.

lutusp 12y ago

> Trust me, it's always better to cooperate with the cops. Trust me -- an experienced defense lawyer will tell you in no uncertain terms to do exactly the opposite. 1. Exercise your right to be silent. 2. Do not volunteer any information. 3. Ask whether you are under arrest, and if the answer is "no", leave and engage the services of a competent attorney. > Being a dick is just going to get you more trouble. This is what the cops always tell you as they try to get you to abandon your rights. But the cops are allowed -- nay, encouraged -- to lie during interrogations, something the suspect cannot do without dire consequences.