I watch television. I watch the cop shows. And I watch the shows with the criminal defense attorneys. In fact, I am a criminal defense attorney, and even more specifically, I'm a Seattle DUI attorney. And you know what, everything they say is right, including the part about never talking to the cops. But people still do. And it's usually because one of about three reasons. I'm here today to try to talk you out of believing you should talk to the cops.

For some reason, people always think they can talk their way out of trouble. They think if they just "explain" the situation or tell the cops why they were justified in hitting their buddy in the mouth or explain that they are drunk and that's what they're acting stupid, the cops will let them go. They are wrong. The cops will let you talk away, and then they'll arrest you and write down everything you said as justification for the arrest.

People also feel like they are smart enough to outsmart the cops. Whether this is trying to lead them down a different path, throw them off the scent, or just outright lie to them, it usually doesn't work. Even if cops are stupid, they aren't that stupid. And they're used to having people lie to them. And it's likely that your lies will easily be discovered as lies, and that will lead them right back to you.

Finally people (and clients of mine) often find themselves guilted or pressured into talking to the cops. They are experts at getting people to talk. They practice it. They know you are scared. They know you want to proclaim your innocence, so they do whatever they can to get you to do it (and then arrest you).

If you find yourself being investigated by the cops, whether a DUI, theft, assault, drug, or any other charge, don't talk to the cops. Demand to call a DUI attorney or criminal lawyer and don't talk until they have a chance to get there and tell you what to do (they'll never let you talk). You'll be glad you did.

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