Times have changed. 

Prior to 9-11, there was no D.H.S. shredding the Fourth Amendment and searching the Depends of 95 year old great grandmothers.  Authorities had to have reasonable cause and a warrant to search a person, his home or tap his phone.  Veterans returning from war were not looked at as terror suspects.  Being a Christian with strong beliefs was something to be admired and respected.  Hunting, fishing and camping were manly endeavors and you were expected to teach these skills of survival on to your children.  The authorities were people to be respected and obeyed unquestionably.  Unfortunately, times have changed. 

There are new people in charge.  You must now watch what you do and what you say, especially on the computers.  Disrespect Gays and it is a hate crime.  Expressing dissatisfaction with the government will get you put on someone’s watch list.  I could list 100 other examples but you know what they are.  Eventually, some of us will get a knock on the door (hopefully they will knock) and you will be face to face with a government employee.  We all remember Martha Stewart, right?  We joked about her doing prison time, but do you remember what got her sent up the river?  It wasn’t securities fraud or insider trading.  It was lying to the F.B.I.  Knowing what NOT to say will save you, your friends, family and associates a ton of grief. 

If you have a confrontation with the “man” - know your rights and know what you should or should not do or you will give up what few rights you actually have left.

1. Don't Talk.
Do not say a word to the officer, other than you do not wish to speak to them without your lawyer present. Just shut up! I cannot stress to you the importance of this rule. Do not talk! Do not attempt to convince the officer of your innocence. Everyone is innocent, no one should be arrested and no one should be in jail and that is all these people hear all day every day. He / she does not care generally whether you are innocent or guilty and there is nothing that he / she can do at this point. Most times, when people speak to officers they say something that makes their situation far worse. Keep your mouth shut.  There will be plenty of time to talk later.

2. Don't Run.
I said above to listen to the officer and follow his / her instructions. Do not be scared and do not let the liquid courage, aka alcohol, convince you that you can outrun the twelve officers and helicopter that will track you down. Also, the authorities become highly suspicious that someone running has a weapon and may be quick to draw their weapon. Additionally, when they do run you down expect much stronger force used to subdue a fleeing suspect.

3. Never Resist Arrest.
Perhaps the most important thing not to do is touch the officer at all! Follow what the officer says. Many people attempt to bump the officer or swat an officers hand’s away. This often falls under the assault statutes and now a minor misdemeanor arrest becomes a FELONY. Thus a simple charge leads to a year or more in state prison. Additionally, touching the officer in any way can lead to a boot in the mouth.

4. Don't Believe the Authorities.
It is perfectly legal for them to lie to get you to make an admission. The authorities frequently separate two friends and tell one the other one ratted him / her out. Because of the lie, the other friend now rats the first friend out. They will state that "it will be easier" to talk now...LIES!!! DON'T BELIEVE THIS BS! It will only be easier for them to prove their case!  They want a conviction and a promotion.  They are not your friends.

5. No Searching.
Do not allow the police to search anywhere! If the officer asks, they do not have the right to search and must have your consent. If you are asked make sure you proclaim to any witnesses that "You (the authorities) do not have consent to search." If they perform the search anyway, that evidence may be thrown out later. Also, if you consent to a search, the officers may find something that you had no idea you had placed somewhere, ie: marijuana left by a friend or that old gun you forgot to register. Remember, that denying consent to search DOES NOT give them the probable cause they would need to conduct a search.

6. Don't Look At Places Where You Don't Want Police to Search.
Police are trained to watch you and react to you. They know that you are nervous and scared and many people look to the areas that they don't want the police to search. Do not react to the search and do not answer any questions. LOOK DOWN AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!!

7. Do Not Talk Shit to the Police.
I don't care if you have been wrongly arrested and the true culprit is standing in front of you. Don't talk shit! Police hear all day that “my dad is the Governor's Assistant's Intern and I will have your badge for this” or “I know my rights.”  This bravado will not impress or endear you to the authorities. Other than a confession, it is about the dumbest thing you can say. The authorities have a lot of discretion in the upcoming charges brought. Police can add charges; change a misdemeanor to a felony, or even make suggestions to the prosecutor that is ultimately prosecuting you.

8. If the Police, FBI, CIA or DHS Come to Your Home, Do not Let Them In and Do Not Step Outside Your Home.
If the police are confident you have committed a felony, they are coming in anyway, because they generally don't need an arrest warrant. Make it clear to the police by stating: "No you may not come in", or "I am comfortable talking right here", or "You need a search warrant to enter my home." If they say they can get one in half an hour, you now have the time to contact your attorney.  If they return, your attorney can arrange for you to turn yourself in should that be necessary and you will spend no time in jail between the hearings.

9. Outside Your Home When Arrested? Do Not Accept an Offer to Go In Your Home for Anything.
The officer may say to you, how about you go inside and change, freshen up, talk to your wife, husband, get a jacket, or any other reason. The police will graciously escort you in and then tear your home apart searching through it. Also, do not let them secure your car. Your car is fine. Remember they are lying to you. They don't give a damn if you are really cold or if you need to talk to your wife or husband.

10. Don't say a word.
It's incredible how many people feel that they can convince the officer, the booking officer or a detective (if your case reaches that stature) that they are not guilty. YOUR CASE IS NOT DECIDED BY THESE PEOPLE. They have no affect on your records. Wait to speak to your lawyer! The courts give enormous weight to "confessions" during this stage. A suspect is almost NEVER released after being arrested.

Follow these ten simply rules religiously and many of your rights will remain intact. I don't care how nervous, scared. smart or drunk you are, THESE RULES ARE VERY IMPORTANT, and will help you tremendously in the short and long run. And remember – I am not your lawyer and neither are your good buddies! Just ask Martha Stewart.