5 Tips for How to Talk to Cops Like a Lawyer! 

Remember: "Anything you say CAN and WILL be used against you". Nothing you say will ever be used in your defense. Ever.

Every cop I’ve ever known says not to talk to police. They instruct their kids to not talk to police.

If you want to talk to the cops like a seasoned layer, you don't talk to the cops...

"We won't ask again." "THEN DON'T!" 😁

*The only thing to say is, I want an attorney, period.*

I'm not a lawyer, but I have heard that after invoking your 5th amendment rights you say NOTHING more. Nothing. Even if they offer you a coffee and you say "yes" or "no", courts have interpreted that as you waiving your 5th amendment right to remain silent unless you say "no, and I continue to exercise my right to remain silent", or something to that effect. It's ridiculous how biased the "justice" system is toward LEOs. Also, the police can legally lie to you at any time.

3:05 unless they have a signed warrant by a judge, you are under no obligation to even answer the door. Never talk to the police!

Constitutional rights are a subscription service. If cops judge you as somebody who cannot afford to pay good lawyers, they can do anything they want.

Bottom line: If a cop thinks you're guilty, you can't change that by talking. And if they ever start acting like your friend, you've already dug a hole, Stop Digging! Remember, cops managed to torture a disabled kid until he admitted to killing someone who wasn't dead, and continued to assert his guilt for SOME crime long after he was demonstrably shown to be innocent. They can make anyone say anything in time, and they're allowed to lie about almost everything, even to the point of fabricating evidence in order to try and get you to say something. The only winning move is simply do not play.

Number one tip never ever trust law enforcement period they not on your side

If cops are so “expertly trained”, why do so many of them not know the law?

Admit nothing, deny everything, and demand absolute proof. I learned that the hard way.

Attorney here. From my experience, it’s really the casual leading/conversational discussions from cops that get most people. Learning point below: I got pulled over not too long ago - frustrating situation with other drivers. The cop saw it all. When he got to my window, the first thing he said “look, you don’t even have to explain, I saw it all a bit behind you; car X did ___ and car Y did ____, I get why you did _(illegal act)__”. Most people would be like “RIGHT?! I only did _(illegal act)__ to get around that car! Don’t write me a ticket for that.” But that’s admission of guilt right there, even though the cop is empathizing. My response to the above was “okay”. I said it in an empathetic tone, partially sad and a bit drawn out. It simply acknowledges that the cop said what he did. Dealing with cops like an attorney is having that filter to not admit guilt that is important. Choose your words wisely - the less the better. I won’t fight the ticket, but it’s important to really filter yourself. The goal is NOT to talk your way out of the situation - the goal is to preserve as many ways out in court. If the ticket is BS, then be compliant and court will solve it. Think ahead! The more you talk, the less “out” you have in court.

You had me in stitches when you said cops are professionals. 😂😂🤣🤣😭😭

As a kid my father told me three things to always remember, 1 always wear a rubber, 2 never talk to the cops without having my attorney there, 3 NEVER admit to a damn thing, NO MATTER WHAT. I'm 68 years old and have had a great, problem free life, thanks to dear old dad.

Anything that cops do is a freaking trap

The main issue I've seen often with appointed attorneys is that a lot of them have had to walk on eggshells with the court that appoints them if they want to be appointed again. This fear can lead some appointed defense attorneys to unofficially side with the state prosecution and throw their client under the buss for their own advancement only to be proven later, after some undue punishment has already happened, that the defense lawyer threw the fight.

People seldom talk their way out of jail, but generally talk their way into jail.

Am I free to leave? Cops "I just need your ID." "So I'm free to leave then?" "I need your ID or you'll be detained." "So i'm not detained, ok bye".. tackled to the ground.

25 years ago mom dies. I'm in the house 7 days later putting things together and doing the sad duties. BANG BANG BANG on the front door. ding dong ding dong. I come up from the basement and as I get to the open front door (I left it open to provide some fresh air for the house--mom didn't believe in fresh air) there is a cop hiding behind the wall and just peeking his head out. I continue on and open the screen door to find 3 cops on the porch and 2 more in the front yard hiding further back. And before I have even said "wassup?" another comes sprinting across the front yard. Turns out, a friendly and helpful neighbor called 911 to report the front door was open and the lady had just died and nobody should be in the house. Because obviously what happens when the owner of a home dies is it sits empty forever until it collapses, right? Cop at the door did just fine. Ultimately they'd sent at least 8 cops. He (tried to) get on the radio to call 'em off but was blocked by lots of excited chatter as I hear "I've hopped the back fence and am getting in position at the back door" and a couple more and FINALLY this cop gets a chance at the radio and shouts "GET OFF THE FREQUENCY! STAND DOWN! 10-whatever, 10-whatever". He then ranted about how this is NOT how you're supposed to be using a radio in a 911 burglary situation--what if shots had been fired or an officer needed help and you clowns are telling each other what tree you're hiding behind? So that was kinda fun. But yeah, gotta love the uninformed neighbors calling 911 to "help".

"I don't answer questions." "Am I free to go?" Cops legally lie ALL DAY LONG.

As for me: Being questioned outside, but on my property, I still have the same rights as if I were in my house. First thing tell the cops to leave. "They must leave if no warrants or exigent circumstances. They will violate this in 99% of cases and stay there questioning you as if a 911 call gives them absolute power to violate your rights. In addition they will threaten you with arrest, a warrantless arrest on private property--look it up. But stay strong. And then repeat over and over invoke your demand to leave the property, invoke 5th and that you do not consent to any searches. And as one might want to, no verbal sparring with the cops. Even the most stupid of cops will win because they can lie to you.

"Police, open up!" "I think my problems stem from the fact that my parents divorced at the worst posdible time and I tried to please them both even though they wanted different things."

I’m a big fan of pre-Miranda silence.

"we wont ask again" - oh god thank you, have a nice day sir

Just commenting on the pic with the caption "we won't ask again"....I've seen many videos where police have uttered that phrase....my favorite response was "Good! Cause I'm sick of your incessant yapping to a guy that legally has a right to remain silent"

If not for confessions, our jails would be empty.

A 25 year police veteran with a YT channel (Ethical Preparedness) says if you are in a self defense situation and the cops come the first thing you tell them is "I was in fear for my life" and then that you want to go to the hospital. DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS. Then while you are there, call a lawyer and don't talk to the cops until your lawyer is present. He said that after such a situation, your mind is scrambled and you will NOT remember all the details and as this lawyer said, any deviation from the original will be looked at as a lie or cover-up. Cops, when involved in a shooting are given 3 nights sleep (you rarely sleep the first night) before they give their report on the incident. This gives them time to relax and recall fully what happened in a calm manner. I believe it should be the same for anyone involved in a self defense action for the same reason.

I disagree. Most police interaction are not routine. They are dangerous and horrific instances where they bully, lie and threaten to get whatever whims they crave. They are a holes.

The line I always get immediately after giving a cop my license on a traffic stop is. "Is this information correct?" My response "Are you accusing me of giving you false documentation?" This will tend to throw them off of the script.

“My attorney “ What if you don’t have one at the time? “An Attorney “

12:51 "I'm sorry, I don't have any spare change." Keep walking.

In general you are rarely going to talk your way out of a worse outcome than you would by being quiet or limiting what you say. But, you certainly can and will talk yourself in a worse outcome than if you were quiet or silent.

I guess being bad at small talk can be a blessing in disguise then.

Thanks for the informative and educational video! Keep it up sir! 🙂👍🏼

Don’t most police departments have a 24- to 72-hour “cooling off” period when an officer is involved in a shooting incident so the he/she can come down from their surge of adrenaline, organize their thoughts, etc., before he/she is questioned about the incident? Wouldn’t it make sense for a citizen be afforded the same courtesy?

Never trust anyone who will lie through their teeth right to your face.

5 tips to talk to cops: 1. Don’t 2. Don’t 3. Don’t 4. Don’t 5. …don’t.

I would make one change to the advice, while staying silent after asking for a lawyer is good advice,I feel the better thing to say (or not say) if/when the police continue to ask questions is: "I assert my 6th amendment rights and need a lawyer to answer questions, and assert my 5th amendment right to remain silent, am I free to go?" I feel this statement is better than silence as it re-iterates the invocation of your rights (so the officer cannot claim they did not hear), and establishes that this is not a consensual conversation. Establishing that it is not consensual conversation may be useful later if the police hold you for an unreasonable amount of time. As he said they may be waiting for a drug dog or backup, and if I recall correctly, most jurisdictions police are only able to detain you for a reasonable amount of time for the reason they stopped you (provided they do not have any reasonable suspicion of anything else). By showing this is not a consensual conversation if they do not have reasonable suspicion and still use a drug dog/etc. you may be able to get evidence thrown out or have a case against the officer afterwards.

Mas Ayoob has a list of the five things to say to cops on scene in a personal defense encounter. It comes to "I shot the guy because he attacked me, I'll sign a complaint and testify to that in court, there's evidence to collect before it disappears over there, these people are witnesses, and I won't say more without an attorney." You didn't say you'd cooperate in their investigation. You didn't say how many times you fired, how you felt, what you did or didn't have time to think about, where you were, where he was, whether he had accomplices, nothing. But you didn't SIMPLY lawyer-up either. Everything you've said is to get the police in the frame of mind that you're telling the truth, and you're pointing out evidence that will convince the DA not to even charge you.

The dude is spitting mad facts.

Lawyers agree, never talk to police. They warn us that answering questions is one of the worst things you can possibly do with any police interaction. The reality of our police state is you’ll never just get to say what you want to say without being rudely interrupted and any statement you make will always be interpreted as suspect marked by duplicitous and deceptive narrative in reports. What starts as you providing exculpatory evidence to police to prove innocence - always turns into a interrogation in attempt to get us in torcher-cuffs for mythical contempt of cop, where we're frequently locked away with more of our citizens than any other nation in the world inside the prison for profit pipeline. Once a precariat is targeted like low hanging fruit, we're ill-equipped with the resources necessary to survive in a broken judicial system where judges routinely prosecute from the bench and prosecutorial misconduct is systemic. This is by design because the political elite controlled by powerful police unions know voters manufacture consent through cognitive dissonance. A shocking endorsement of the disturbance, order followers feel when their beliefs and actions are inconsistent and contradictory. History has amply demonstrated how this will end up - when unlawful orders for papers are no longer merely inconveniences, but inevitably reveal that duplicity in final solution.

6 hrs ago I was approached by a cop downtown. I look at him and found this video on yt and turned my cell phone volume up and played it staring him right in the eye. He laughed and walked away.

I think it's quite polite to ignore unexpected, unwanted visitors. Keeps me from saying rude things I may regret.

Contra Costa County, California recently paid 8.4 million dollars for a false arrest. I consider any encounter with a Police Officer to be an opportunity to win a multimillion lawsuit against the Police.

They are not stopping you for no reason. Our duty as citizens is to Drive safe in the first place, for our safety and for the safety of everyone else. I've been stopped three times for speeding in the past. The last time was more than five years ago... But every single time the police was nice and kind, even thought the situation. I went to defensive driving classes two times, to lower a little bit my expensive ticket. Finally I learned my lesson, and now I drive much more carefully. Those classes are very important on creating consciousness about how dangerous is to speeding and do certain unlawful things while driving. In one occasion, many years ago, I was driving home because the baby sitter called me because my little son was sick, I was working night time shift and I asked for permission to my supervisor to go home, and I was driving fast around 2:00 am. close to Evans and Broadway Ave. in Denver CO. Well... Not "that fast" but yes, I was above the limit. Suddenly an officer on an unmarked police car stopped me. Usually I knew It was totally my fault, so... I was just ready to have the consequences, and I was just doing what I was supposed to do in that case... which is remain calm and seated inside the car, with may hands in a visible place until the officer approach my car... I know that I cannot be searching for my insurance or anything else, until the officer is in front of me and he can clearly see what I'm doing. He asked if there was a reason for me to be speeding, and I explained the reason, He saw my uniform, my work id on my uniform, and the empty baby car seat in the back. Then he said that I needed to drive safe to stay alive and be able to get home and see my sick child. He didn't gave me a ticket that time, and he let me go because he knew that I was in a hurry. I have much respect for police officers. I'm grateful that they are there to protect good citizens from bad guys. Definitely defensive driving classes should be mandatory to have the driving license. That would prevent so many tragedies and car accidents caused by stupid good people, that is just ignoring the minimum safety rules while driving. I live in Colorado, and I can say that the police officers in Denver and Englewood areas, are good people, based on my personal experience. I have never had a bad experience with a police officer. I have nothing bad to say about the police officers in my area.

One time a few years ago I was waiting on a mechanic to fix my vehicle. I was walking around the general area of the shop while also talking on the phone. That phone conversation developed into a heated argument that involved yelling and profanity. In the course of this argument I walked by a cop who was watching traffic. At first he didn’t do anything but a few minutes later after I was off the phone he rolled up when I was leaning against the wall of the mechanic shop and started asking questions. I told him the phone conversation was none of his business. I also told him that my vehicle is in the shop I was at because he asked me why I was “loitering” I told him I wasn’t planning on hurting anyone when he eluded to that. Then he made what I deam to be an offensive comment by asking if I wanted him to call “the short bus”. I’m guessing he meant the little bus that the elderly use but I didn’t like the way he asked. At that point I said “have a nice day” turned around and walked into the mechanic shop. That was the end of it. You can end a consensual encounter with police anytime, for any reason, and in any way you want (you do have to be nice, just walk away if you want to).

Keep up the videos, they’re all great. Good explanations and straight forward.

Thank you for the video.

They treat you like a criminal from the start and them claim you're nervous and make up a crime to investigate.

The bad thing about clamming up is that the other guy has been telling the cops it's all your fault. Now you're in cuffs waiting in jail for a lawyer.

remain calm.......dont yell......dont be afraid.......if your not doing a crime dont act afraid

Everyone should know this info!

When I was a young man, I was told by a police officer, a police detective and a chief of police to never talk to the police. They told me that criminals are good at talking to the cops. Innocent people have no idea and think that the officer will always believe them. The innocent person needs an attorney way more than a guilty one.

Concealed Carry Association has cards for their members to hand to police that spell all that out. 1. I was in fear of my life. 2. I want to press charges. 3. I will give a full statement after consulting with my attorney. End of Discussion. Question? See item 1. They have miranda cards, we can have something to 'refresh' our memories too. Thank you again for the valuable advice, counselor.

"I want my attorney." ...'Nuff said.

"Anything you say CAN and WILL be used against you". PLUS whatever else they makeup and lie about on the police report...

Perfectly sound advice. I watched a couple of firearms trainers talk about handling a shooting self defense situation. Their advice 1. As soon as it's safe to do so dial 911 and report the incident making sure you tell them "I reacted because I believed my life was in danger." He who calls 911 first has the advantage. 2. When cops show up comply with their instructions but if asked questions Ask for your lawyer and invoke your 5th amendment rights.

Before I became a cop, I was ignorant like most of you guys... but once I got into law enforcement, I took what I learned to heart. Why? Because I understood both sides of the coin... and now that I'm a civilian again, I can protect myself if need be from harassment and more. I certainly believe every citizen should learn the laws that applies to them so they won't be victimized by the criminal justice system.

This video should be played at all high school assemblies .

Regarding not answering the door if your neighbor called 911 on you, can't the cops claim exigent circumstances and kick your door open if you don't answer?

You won't ask again? That's good. Means I won't have to tell you no again.

God be with you if the cop is holding a grudge.

Love your content, been listening to it on my commutes. Could you do a video about all the listening/data harvesting that new cars do to us now? Is there a way to opt out of that stuff, or to my car from spying on me?

gr8 tips! Thanks.. side note: at 63yrs old.. cops don't mess with me like when I was younger.. they know.. I know.. and thats that..

"I'll be happy to make a statement or answer questions in the presence of my attorney, officer", is all you ever need to say.

Having lived in several bad neighborhoods, this advice can really help keep it that way. However, I 100% agree with the self defense bit!

My friend (a real life lawyer) had two rules for dealing with the police: 1) Don't talk to the police by choice 2) If the police start talking to you, respectfully inform them that you do not talk to the police 2a) Example: "I apologize, I'm not trying to be rude, but I invoke my right to remain silent and will not speak to any police officer without a lawyer present." 3) When (not if) they try to continue speaking, do not look at them, do not react, do nothing. Stare into space, unemotional as possible. Whatever you do, do not speak further. He had another statement for people facing self-defense interests: 4) Call a lawyer immediately. You don't have a lawyer? Your first job is to get one.

I thought I was reporting a crime never knew I was under suspicion!

A FEW OF THINGS TO ADD: A: Your information is incomplete regarding passenger identification. There are least two reasons why a passenger would have to identify. 1) If the passenger was the reason for the stop. (No seatbelt, littering, etc) 2) If it was discovered while during the first stop, that the passenger was breaking the law, (plain view: drugs, drug paraphernalia, no seatbelt, etc.) B: You may be told to exit the vehicle. If you are commanded to do so - you MUST do so. This has already been established as unacceptable thing for the police to do in any situation where RAS was established to initiate the stop. That doesn't mean that you have to talk to them and it's important that you ask them what what the RAS is as well as the reason why they want you to exit the vehicle. C: ALWAYS record you're interaction. D: If you disagree or feel anything is unwarranted ALWAYS voice that you contest their reasons as being a violation of your rights AND that you are complying under duress. This establishes that you are not willingly yielding your rights. Remain calm, cool, respectful and exhibit self control. They are itching for you to throw a fit or act up so they can escalate the encounter! DONT GIVE THEM A REASON!

Just say ‘I’m not talking to you, I don’t answer questions.’

I've worked with a public defenders office for twenty-five years, and I tell you, these lawyer are very experienced, very dedicated, and very skilled. This notion that public defenders are less that private lawyers must go away.

What do you think about using part of the Traffic Stop Practice Script?

Keep the great advice and tips coming. Soon enough ill be able to pass the bar exam and wont need a lawyer.

"I hope I don't annoy you, I respect cops. But my lawyer told me never talk to police. He is a big dude, he could whip you and me with one arm. I'm scared to ignore his advice. I will remain silent".

Jay Z 99 Problems "Well my glove compartment is locked, so is the trunk and the back And I know my rights so you gon' need a warrant for that" "Aren't you sharp as a tack? You some type of lawyer or something? Somebody important or something?" "Child, I ain't passed the bar, but I know a lil' bit Enough that you won't illegally search my shit"

Retired officer here. When I had an articulable violation the taking was over. Ticket or click it, and let the court sort it out.

I would never promise to say anything even with an attorney. You can always make a statement later, you don’t have to promise to talk later.

In speech communication we say "small talk is big talk" because people will voluntarily disclose information in "small talk" than under interrogation. 12:13 Context is everything in human communication.

Ask them if they've ever beat up their wife lol

you don't even need to answer the door

Recently , while coming from another state the Florida unfinest revenue collectors stopped me , as to ask me why I had a radar detector ( legally and allowed )...Oddly, I have an sticker of Anonymous Hackers in the windshield...Additionally, had my psychology and theory book just to read while some long waits..The second unit arrived after I asked why I was stopped and that their "radar " excuse was illegal and non plausible...then I stated " I l go for the 4th, 5th am, reminded that if I was detained I wanted a lawyer...So summarize, their choreographed routine last for aprox 5 to 7 min..The second cop was hesitant and asked why I had a Guy Fawkes Anonymous sticker and if I was a hacker..I dint answer..Overheard him saying " men that guy is some sort of hacker and can get all stuff from the net..." Lets go! And so I was told to go..Get ur own conclusions about their reluctance to continue the routine....

Don't talk to a cop just because you are innocent, because the cop is NOT.

Talks to my attorney's law firms.. Period..

The best way to talk to cops is not to.

Without a warrant, never step outside. Inside the door, you maintain control. Outside the door, they gain control,violating your right all the while.

We sat in our car at 2am and talked until 3am outside a night club which already closed and no body around. A cop walked up to us and asked "what are you doing out here at 3am?" We were well dressed and I simply smiled and replied "just 2 guys talking about the world and everything". My buddy smiled broadly too. The cop had nothing else to say but "y'all be careful out here". And left us. How you reply is important too. Stay calm & collect, polite and don't be a smart ass about it. Within 30" the cop was gone wishing us a G9 too.

Guilty until proven innocent

Cop's can lie legally and do offten Ask them , Can you lie to me legally ? If they say "yes" say why would I want to talk to a Lier? If they say "NO " say your a LIER I don't talk to liers. And envoke the 5th amendment. And keep your mouth shut.

Self-defense - "I was attacked. I defended myself. I am the victim." Period.

It’s not illegal to lie to a police officer !

All the cops have to do is hold the Constitution close to their heart.

If a cop is talking to you, they've already made their opinion, they've already judged you.

Let's say you get pulled over, and the cops tell you to roll down ALL your car windows, even though they have no probable cause for a search. Get them to clarify whether they're ASKING or ORDERING? And what if they are ordering? Do you have to comply?

Try having 60years of a perfect record(two parking tickets) Then i move into a place full of cops. The one next door was a drunk and now I have a record as long as al capon!

I like to say; "officer I'd like to tell you what happened but my lawyer would be seriously upset with me, so I'll wait until he can be present for any questioning"!

“Why be polite and respectful”. Because it’s the decent thing to do. If you’re only polite of those you fear, you are not a good person.

You can always talk your way into handcuffs. You'll never talk your way out of them.

your very good at explaining terminology, setting and perspective, thought process of individuals, and more ... really fun to just listen to you ... like voluntary encounter...I've never heard of that and just knowing that exists makes me feel more aware, and awareness is useful

God I am surprised I have never been really harassed by police... I am decorated veteran, no DMV or criminal record... But I did look so much like a bank robber, in Joplin MO, that I even wondered if it was a picture of me ... My roommate, shot his wife then himself, in Joplin MO ( again), I was on a voluntary psychiatric lockdown, so they wanted to question my person. After I proved I could have not been involved, they then stated the believed that my dead roommate and his wife, had killed a young woman in Indiana, 25 yrs ago, and because I held a Indiana license, I was now under suspicion of being party to this crime, that had no evidence, no body, I proved I was in Europe serving my county at the time, explained we were done talking, requested my release or a attorney, then left... Having a clear/clean record can be worse than a criminal past history, it motivates cops to be the first to get you .... This is all great advice in this video, I know, I learned this all from lawyers, and learning much about laws that pertained to myself and business....