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: A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

So, I want to scream sometimes. Seriously. Let me give everyone out there two pieces of free legal advice. First, stop consenting to searches! Just stop. I don't care what the cops 'threaten' you with. Better to pay a tow bill or spend a night in jail than consent. You have the right to say "no". Especially when you know your car is full of drugs or weapons, just say NO! For God's sake. Let's play a little game. Cop: can I search your car? You: Do you have a warrant? Cop: No, but if you don't consent I will get one and tow your car and detain you. You: You do not have my consent. You may not search. Simple right? For God's sake people. Second. Stop talking. I am going to teach my children that the ONLY words out of their mouth when approached by a cop are to be: I WANT A LAWYER. That's it. No explanation, no delay, no substitution. I want a lawyer. You have no statements to make. Yes, you can give your name. Yes, you need to provide a breath sample in the datamaster if you arrested for DUI. But you don't need to do FST's. You don't need to explain yourself in anyway. And don't just say I don't want to talk. Say it with me now. I WANT A LAWYER! Of course, people will still be intimidated by the cops and continue to give "consent" and blab like babies. And I will continue to pay for gas and milk and my mortgage because of it. But I don't get it. Especially in drug and sex cases....don't confess. Don't give consent. Demand your rights. Possession of any amount of most controlled substances is a FELONY in Alaska. Most sex cases are a LIFE SENTENCE for a first offense. So please. Learn to shut the hell up! You can't count on anyone else in the system protecting you. I will try but when you consent and then confess, there is often little I can do.

Full post as published by A Public Defender's Life in Alaska on January 25, 2011 (boomark / email).