DON’T TALK TO THE POLICE! For many years, I have advised people, “Don’t talk to the police.” Oddly enough, very few people take that advice. Many times people think that their “cooperating” will prevent them from being charged with a crime. Some people even think that they will be able to explain away their actions and that they will eventually not be charged with a crime. And then, there are those who just don’t know what they’ve done is a crime.
Recently, I represented a man who was being investigated for child abuse. His 14 year old child had stolen from a local store, and the client – thinking he was being a responsible parent (raised in the south) – gave his son a whipping that left marks and bruises. I advised the client not to talk to the social worker.
But as it turns out, he spoke to a social worker – thinking it wouldn’t matter – since she was not a police officer; and thinking it would help him with his juvenile dependency case. His statements were written and recorded by the social worker. His statements to the social worker formed the basis for the police filing a criminal case against him. Now I am representing him in the criminal case and the juvenile dependency case. Two different cases, two different courthouses, two different judges, and two different sets of laws.
He felt that he could explain his actions to the social worker; and he didn’t realize what he had done was considered felony child abuse. The offer, by the District Attorney, was 18 months in state prison. If you are being questioned by ANY governmental employee, it is best that you consult an attorney, immediately.
If you have any doubt about this advice, I invite you to watch this YouTube video from a Harvard Law Professor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc. (Copy and paste the link, if you can’t click and connect.)
If you are being questioned by any governmental agent or law enforcement officer, contact us for a free legal consultation. We can guide you through the most important part of any eventual case, the beginning investigation.
My name is Vincent Davis, a dedicated attorney with almost 30 years experience. If you’d like to consult with me, please contact my office. We offer:
1. Free initial consultations, of 20-30 minutes;
2. Case analysis, where I review your case and give you a plan and a strategy to implement with your court appointed attorney;
3. Extended phone, Skype or in person consultations about your case, and what to do and how to do it; and/or
4. Full legal representation as your attorney (we represent people all over the state of California.
Vince Davis
Criminal Trial Lawyer
888-888-6582
