If you tell a cop, "Talk to my lawyer," in lieu of answering questions, what if I don't have a lawyer?

Answer 1

Then you don't talk. Asking for a lawyer is invoking your Miranda rights, so the interview would be over.

More often than not, the investigation would just continue without your input.

Answer 2

You have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you. If you ask for a lawyer at any time during the investigation all questions will stop until the lawyer is present. You are invoking your right to be silent and not incriminate yourself. However, this does not prevent them from continuing the investigation without your help.

Answer 3

If U get arrested and you cannot afford an attorney - you can request one and request that the interview will be terminated as you refuse to answer any other questions without your attorney.

However, you will have to sit in jail (unless you make bond) until your first court appearance.

In Houston, that can be quick. In smaller areas, you may not be brought to court for 1 month. THEN you will be appointed an attorney if you satisfy the Judge that you cannot afford one.

If you bond out and then get called to court, but don't have an attorney, then you can request an court appointed one then. Be aware that depending on how much your bond is - if you could afford bond, the judge may think you can afford an attorney.

Answer 4

If you can afford one, you hire one. If not, you ask the court to appoint one to represent you.

You don't really need to tell a cop "talk to my lawyer"; an answer of I wish to discuss this with a lawyer before I answer any questions would suffice and be more polite.

Answer 5

you better get one quick, because you will probably be sitting in the booking cell. Bluffs don't work well with good veteran cops.