Arkansas Paul said:
...Why in the world would anyone predetermine NEVER to talk to police....
A lot depends on when, where, under what circumstances, for what purposes and to what extent you may be talking, or not talking with police.
We've been discussing the situation in which you've used force in self defense. (My approach as outlined in post 17: limited statement; then invoke the right to remain silent; hold firm; and consult your lawyer.)
Now if you have the very bad luck to someday be "a person of interest" (ETA in a matter in which you're not claiming self defense), whether or not justified, the best approach is to not say anything, at least without the active assistance of qualified legal counsel. That is your right and the correct time to fully insist on it.
Remember that police (and many lawyers) can be very skilled at asking questions and tripping someone up. It's an art. One technique is asking essentially the same question in different ways to smoke out, or create, inconsistencies in your story. Another is to ask a question that could really be answered with a "yes" or "no" and then pausing before continuing; thus "inviting you to volunteer information beyond what is necessary to just answer the question. Periods of silence can encourage extemporaneous statements. Intentionally asking a question you probably won't know the answer to invites your guess, speculation or opinion -- any of which can come back to bite you.
rageofangels said:
...I need to find a lawyer just in case something like this happens. I don't want my wife scrambling to find one in a panic ...
That's an excellent idea. And you'll want to preferably find someone who has experience successfully handling a self defense case.
As mentioned earlier, pleading self defense is very different from the usual defense strategy in a criminal case. The usual criminal defense is basically "I wasn't there, I didn't do it, you can't prove that I did it." This essentially involves attacking the prosecution's evidence to create a reasonable doubt.
But the defense of self defense is basically "I did it, but I was legally justified." That involves affirmatively introducing evidence to support your claim.
Most good criminal defense lawyers are experienced and skilled with the usual defense strategy, but have very little, if any, experience putting on a self defense case.
It can be tough to find the right kind of lawyer. If you know any LEOs, you could ask who the local police association/union uses to defend police officers in use of force matters. Another source for possible referral would be your local RKBA organizations. You could also consider the Armed Citizen's Legal Defense Network.
HeXeD775 said:
...Should I acquaint myself w/ a lawyer, just in case? Am i gonna get charged for that acquaintance? How would that conversation even go? (Hi, I'm hexed775, I an a gun owner & licensed to carry innthe state, i posess no criminal record, I want you to rep me if I ever get involved in a defensive shooting...how would you want me to handle things @ when police arrive?)...
Wouldn't be a bad idea -- see above.
I'd suggest that if you find one or more possible lawyers, call and make a half hour appointment. Although various lawyers handle these "get acquainted" meetings differently, I would offer to pay his standard hourly rate for his time. He might waive the fee or offer a reduced "initial consultation" rate; but the offer conveys that you're serious. Paying him for his time also helps clearly establish the attorney-client relationship.
Then introduce yourself and say exactly what you suggest. You might want to talk with him about his experience handling self defense cases (see above). You'll probably want to ask him about his fees and other charges (copying, computerized legal research, private investigator expenses, etc.). If he looks like someone you'd want to use, and if he is agreeable to representing you if the time comes, he will probably so indicate and provide you with contact information for emergency use.
MattTheHat said:
...When folks post opinions in direct conflict with legal advice from an attorney,...
One clarification, please. While I am an attorney, I'm not any particular person's attorney. I'm really not offering specific legal advice on a current legal matter. I'm providing general information on legal matters. I know that all seems hyper-technical, but sometimes the technicalities are important. As they say, "The devil is in the details."