Legal Interactions

How you should interact with law enforcement and officers of the court.

Cops (Law Enforcement Officers) are responsible for the enforcement of laws. They investigate crimes, collect evidence, and sometimes testify in court. Their work is crucial for identifying and apprehending suspects, ensuring public safety, and laying the groundwork for the judicial process.

Judges act as impartial arbitrators in the court of law. They interpret and apply laws, oversee legal procedures, and ensure that trials are conducted fairly. Judges make rulings on motions, instruct juries, and ultimately, decide on sentences or verdicts in cases without juries.

Attorneys (Defense Lawyers) defend the rights of the accused. They provide legal representation for individuals charged with crimes, ensuring that their clients receive a fair trial. Defense attorneys argue on behalf of their clients, challenge evidence presented by the prosecution, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for those they represent.

Prosecutors represent the government and work in the public's interest. Their role is to present the case against the defendant in criminal trials. Prosecutors must prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, based on evidence collected during investigations. Their goal is to achieve justice for victims and society.

Interactions with Local Police

When driving, if an officer pulls you over, remain calm and continue driving. If you're not in the right most lane, slowly and safely make your way into the right lane. Then pull over into the shoulder when it's safe to do so. If there are any parking lots or side roads nearby, pull into them instead of on the highway or a main road.

Make sure not to suddenly increase speed. The officer may percieve this as an attempt to flee.

If the front windows are tinted, then lower both windows as soon as you're in the shoulder – this will prevent the officer from being able to observe the transparency of the windows. If the windows are not tinted, lower the window which the cop is most likely to approach – the right side if on the highway or a main road, and the left side in a parking lot.

If the officer asks you if you know why you were pulled over, do not answer the question, as this can be taken as an admission of guilt. Instead answer with a vague response, such as, "yeah, sorry," or "I do," while acting like you messed up. No matter what do not answer with the crime, such as saying "I was speeding."

If the officer asks you to perform a field sobriety test, always refuse. If the officer asks you to take the breathalyzer there are four different situations:

1. You're sober – blow. It will come back with 0.0, and you'll be on your way.

2. You're barely drank – blow. A very small, negligible BAC will appear. This will not be enough to justify a DWI. Sure, the officer can be a dick and arrest you anyways; but the case will be thrown out, and you can sue the department.

3. You're tipsy, but are below zero tolerance – don't blow. You can still get a DWI, and it will be much harder to prove that you were actually drunk. The time between when you drank and when you arrive at hospital and the officer obtains a warrant for a blood test, the results will be significantly less reliable as time passes. Additionally, it will give you time to metabolize the alcohol. You will still be arrested, and you'll face a charge for refusing to blow... but at least you won't have a DUI.

4. You're flat out drunk, and are above the legal limit – don't blow. You might get away with the DUI, hire a great lawyer, and mitigate all risks from that point on. Don't speak. Don't breath with your mouth. Wait for an attorney.

The officer must explain your rights to you before administering the test. Additionally, they must provide their "reasonable suspicion" as to why you're drunk.

If you ever drink, even the smallest amount, always chew gum while driving – or use a breath mint.

Always be respectful when dealing with police. If they ask you for ID, just identify yourself. It's better that they know you and like you. If they pry more than you would like to explain, then don't respond.

Never speak to police, unless it's a consentual conversation. Be very polite, and if they raise their voice, stay calm but don't give in.

Interactions with Judges and Court Staff

Judges and all court staff are officers of the court. Do not curse in front of them. Do not overshare. Do not speak unless you have obtained permission to speak – including implied permission. Do not speak with an attitude. Do not use sarcasm. Do not speak back.