...is that sometimes too much of a good thing? Like when is being 'too honest' bad?
Paul
2007-03-03 12:18:24 · 11 answers · asked by dunric 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
You have the right to remain silent, do so!
2007-03-03 12:28:33 · answer #1 · answered by Sgt 524 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, thats the million dollar question. For very minor things, like traffic tickets, sometimes being honest will get you off because the officer usually has discretion with non-criminal offenses. Once you start talking criminal offenses, your best bet is STFU. Nothing you can possibly say will make it better. No "explaining" will help and most peoples excuses will actually dig them deeper. Most people do not know the law and inadvertently incriminate themselves trying to explain things or by being honest. The police can lie to you, tell you they have evidence they don't, tell you they have witnesses etc. If they did, you'll here all about it in court. You being a nice guy will only hurt you. The cop is usually talking to you, not because he likes you, but because he is looking for evidence. he is NOT your buddy, pal etc and he usually can't make it easy on you either. It is what it is. He wants to nail you for the highets charge he can. He may even buy you lunch. Just make sure that after you eat you, say thanks and call your lawyer!!!
As far as a poster above saying if you fess up, the cop will "talk"to the judge, most criminal charges don't go to trial. You will be hung by your own comments well before that. Cops very rarely "talk" to judges. This isn't TV. Unless you are some big fish, "cooperating won't get you anything. Cops arrest and charge people. you will most likely never see your arresting officers again. The DA talks to the judge and prosecutes you. They also want you to go down for the highest crime possible and unless you know something thats gonna help them in their career, you aren't getting any play.
2007-03-03 12:45:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess that depends on your point of view. If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to fear from being honest. If you've done something wrong, then you can either "fess up" now, and face easier consequences... because the officer will tell the judge that you were cooperative and honest, or you can face worse consequences later. I don't know what "too honest" would be. Then again, there is that line of personal information that you need not disclose... I am sure the officer will sleep much better not knowing some things.
2007-03-03 12:27:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jamie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think so because if you are honest or too honest that could help you out sometimes
2007-03-03 12:31:28 · answer #4 · answered by bee bee boo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paul, read my lips for the single best piece of advice you will ever get: NEVER, EVER TALK TO THE POLICE. EVERYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN A COURT OF LAW TO CONVICT OR CHARGE YOU WITH A CRIME. DO NOT SPEAK TO THEM EVER. ITS YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT
2007-03-03 12:41:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Me, I quit talking to them. When I found out that you cannot be a good samaritan without being scrutinized under suspicion.
2007-03-03 13:24:08 · answer #6 · answered by eks_spurt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The police have a job to arrest the person they think did the crime.
A person should never answer police questions without an attorney.
2007-03-03 12:32:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
you should never tell the cops the truth cause in the end you will get screwed they will find anything on you to convict you of something.
2007-03-03 20:24:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing said is not consider a lie. But spill it if you think you need to. Keep yourself out of trouble.
2007-03-03 12:27:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When some was very courteous, helpfull and pleasant, My guard would go up
2007-03-05 05:34:35 · answer #10 · answered by watchman_1900 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋