quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:

While in almost EVERY instance jhe, I agree with you, on many, many topics...

In this instance, I think some of the posters, including me, say that ABSOLUTES, such as "NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE" are wrong, and beyond that, foolish advice.

Maybe if we stepped it back a bit, and changed the verbage from "NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE" to "IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE SUSPECTED OF A CRIME SEEK LEGAL CONSUL BEFORE MAKING ANY STATEMENTS" we would be in much more agreement.

I agree with you - an absolute prohibition isn't always the best plan. But explaining the subtleties of when and what you can safely say is very difficult. And many people won't be able to make the right choices, especially in the stress of having just shot someone. So I think it is still safest to advise that the person say less rather than more. Much less.

There was a lawyer named James Jeffries who gave advice to FFLs. His point of view was if the FEDS arrive, only give them what you must. Their job is to put you in jail. Your job is to not help them.

The things you were taught as a kid can be dead wrong. The police aren't always your friend. Its Ok when you're 10 to wave at them. Probably not when you're 18 or 20 if you only wave one finger. Its OK to agree when they say its a nice day. Specifics might be more of a problem.

None of us would be better off if the minority community educated their brain trust kids into doing things like no breaking traffic laws when leaving their last stick up. They'd be much better off if their get away car was fully legal, like having all working lights that were used. Or not speeding and making illegal turns.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:

quote:

Originally posted by KevinCW:

While in almost EVERY instance jhe, I agree with you, on many, many topics...

In this instance, I think some of the posters, including me, say that ABSOLUTES, such as "NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE" are wrong, and beyond that, foolish advice.

Maybe if we stepped it back a bit, and changed the verbage from "NEVER TALK TO THE POLICE" to "IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE SUSPECTED OF A CRIME SEEK LEGAL CONSUL BEFORE MAKING ANY STATEMENTS" we would be in much more agreement.

I agree with you - an absolute prohibition isn't always the best plan. But explaining the subtleties of when and what you can safely say is very difficult. And many people won't be able to make the right choices, especially in the stress of having just shot someone. So I think it is still safest to advise that the person say less rather than more. Much less.

Very true to a point. Factor in the political climate of where you live and it becomes more complicated.

Admittedly it isn't appropriate in every single situation. In your situation, you'd likely be going to the police for help.

But in a situation where a detective knocks on your door, and ask you to come down to HQ to discuss something, I think I'd tell them it isn't happening without my lawyer present.

quote:

Originally posted by DMF:
"No matter how innocent you are it's never a good idea to talk to the police."

So, when your spouse or child is missing , and possibly abducted, you're going to wait for your lawyer before helping the cops try to locate them, and/ or apprehend the abductors?

Absolutes, such as, "never talk to the police," don't work well in the real world.

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:


Factor in the political climate of where you live and it becomes more complicated.

Locality matters a lot. Here in Houston, if you shoot an obvious burglar the sheriff's deputies (and even the Houston police) are likely to pat you on the back and bring you a donut. They may not even take your gun for evidence. I'd still advise caution.

In Newark, New Jersey, I'd probably give entirely different advice.

quote:

are likely to pat you on the back and bring you a donut.

LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
...Here in Houston, if you shoot an obvious burglar the sheriff's deputies (and even the Houston police) are likely to pat you on the back and bring you a donut. They may not even take your gun for evidence. I'd still advise caution...

I really have to move to Texas! This sort of common sense just doesn't exist in most of the country, especially here in Illinois.

http://abc13.com/news/man-susp...y-homeowner/1509358/

This is pretty much the way they handle those. Don't go breaking into people's houses. You're likely to get shot.

There was an old man earlier this year who heard someone open his gate. He went out with his gun to find a kid trying to hook up his trailer and drive off with a 4-wheeler. He started shooting and the kid tried to drive off, but went into the ditch. I think he hit the kid, but it wasn't a serious wound. When the deputies got there, he was holding the kid in the car. The deputy they interviewed clearly was of the attitude that the kid got what he deserved, and said they weren't even taking the gun or the man down to the station.

A convenience store owner came out from the back to find thieves pistol-whipping his brother. He pulled his gun, chased them out of the store and shot into the get away car, killing one and wounding others. No charges.

The Texas self-defense statutes are quite liberal, and even allow the use of deadly force to protect property in many instances.

Kentucky isn't much different.