this post was submitted on 23 Jan 2025
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Anarchism
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So when they say “ok, call your lawyer” then what?
I don’t have a criminal defense attorney’s number memorized, nor have I ever engaged one. Do I just web search and pick the one in my area? Are they going to show up?
That's not entirely the proper response.
I hate that I've already posted the video twice so I'm not going to do it again because I don't want to get marked for spam lol, but check my comment history if you got a minute to see a few lawyers describe what to do.
In essence though, if it's a door knock don't even answer it. There's nothing good on the other side of that door, and in that scenario there are only two options for them: either they can get a warrant, in which case they're coming in anyway with or without your consent so it doesn't even matter, or if they don't have one (far more likely) then they can go pound sand for all I care. If I'm not legally obligated to answer that door then I'm not going to.
If it's a traffic stop, it's a simple amount of phrasing but amounts that are very important to say to exercise your rights. If being asked questions unrelated to the quoted traffic violation, a simple "I'm not discussing my day". If they continue asking questions, ask "Am I being detained or am I free to go". This forces them to either only engage in the stop as needed or, if they do detain, at this point the mystery is now gone and they have to handle things by the book: meaning you are informed that you are being detained, it is for xyz reason of belief, then at this point you can state that you "invoke the fifth" (must be said, but you have the right to not answer questions and not self-incriminate), and then you STFU. If said detainment was ever escalated from there to the point of being thrown in the back of the squad car, it's at this point that you could then request an attorney at the station and IIRC they must provide one. It will likely be an overworked public defendant attorney, but to answer the question there you go.
TLDR Don't be the soverign citizen immediately starting with "I want a lawyer am I detained am I free to go" as soon as they walk up to the window, but know your rights and when to execute them in order. These rights apply to all people in America by the way, not just citizens, so keep that in mind and don't let feds try to scare you into thinking you don't have these kinds of rights. You do.
(I am not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice from a lawyer, just a local dumbass on the internet, but this is to my knowledge factual information.)
This right here. Remember, every day is STFU Friday.
Depends on your jurisdiction. What's supposed to happen is any questions stop, they may let you reschedule at a later date with your attorney, or they may hold you for arraignment. Usually they will have a list of defense attorneys, or your county may have a defense attorneys hotline, or at least a yellow book. But it entirely depends on where you are.
If you are booked in a location that doesn't have any information available. I would suggest calling a friend or family member to contact an attorney for you.