My lawyer, who is also a good friend, went on about a situation like this once long ago and she told me something I haven’t forgotten.
If you are ever involved in a shooting or anything more serious than a simple traffic stop, etc. then do not say a single word but “LAWYER”. Give them your ID only, you have the right to remain silent but the police are trained to get a story, whatever it is, out of someone as fast as possible.
Never, under any circumstances EVER say anything to anyone, just say “I have the right to remain silent and I am, I need to talk to my lawyer” and nothing else. She told me half he clients talk themselves right into a major ordeal because they are either intimidated by the police, intoxicated, or fall for the “Hey, I’m on your side, we want to help you, but first you have to help us” line and start talking.
Just STFU, ignore the glares and the intimidating ride down to the station and wait for her to get there. Advise I have taken to heart after she went on describing the messes good people put themselves in by playing into the game for their first time against the professionals.
Agree. And if you asked, I bet she'd tell you not to recover the stolen property yourself.
Hopefully the teens were the thiefs and didn’t buy it from skinny on the corner...but best of luck to the vehicle owner....
Literally?
Serious question. Can you just respond to all their questions with "lawyer" or do you have to say "I am exercising my right to remain silent until I speak to my attorney."
When I am stressed, the fewer words I have to say, the better.
The CCW insurers say the same thing! Or if saying anything, “I feared for my life, or I feared for my family’s life!” Then, SHUTUP!!! EFF THE LEO in these instances!
“I can’t help you unless you tell me your side of the story. All I have right now is what the other guy says. Would you like a Coke or some chips while we talk?”
In CCP training you are advised to avoid confrontations. Trying to recover your own stolen car while armed doesn’t seem wise. I hope the car owner has both legal insurance and liability insurance. The day you shoot someone will be the worst day of your life. You are right, never talk to the police without a lawyer. He bought himself a lot of grief for an eight year old Chevrolet.