How To Avoid Ignoring The Most Critical Legal Advice

Most arrests do not involve an immediate confession, so police rely heavily on what you say next. The safest move is to stay silent and request an attorney before answering any questions, even if you think you can “explain it.” This article explains the common mistakes that lead people to ignore critical legal advice and how to avoid them.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

So, now I’m curious… how often do you find out that the person who is getting arrested actually did that? How often does that ever occur?

Darryl Stallworth – Criminal Defense Attorney – Oakland, CA

Not very often. No.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

You would think, after so many years and lawyers practicing and it being everywhere, that people would understand that.

Darryl Stallworth – Criminal Defense Attorney – Oakland, CA

I’ve had people who have been in and out of the criminal justice system for years. And you would think they would know better. But they just can’t help themselves. They have to say something, or they have to answer a question. They feel like there’s still a way to either talk themselves out of it, or because of some type of internal feeling of having to say something, they can’t help themselves.

There’re very few people who been as calm enough to simply say, “lawyer”. I say lawyer… and put your head down. Because most good investigators will develop a conversation with you. They will talk about… seeing you play football in high school and make you comfortable, and they’re doing their job, that’s what they do. But if you eliminate the conversation, you say, “lawyer” and put your head down on the table, that gives you a better chance of getting through the whole process, and giving me a better chance to help.