“The right to remain silent” and why it matters

It is one of the most widely known constitutional amendments, the 5th, the right to not incriminate yourself. Almost everyone has at least a basic understand of it, from TV if nothing else. Despite knowing about it, most people do not use it when they need to. I cannot tell you how often I have seen people dig a deeper hole for themself by talking, often at a time when they are confused or upset. When the police ask you about a serious situation, close your mouth until you talk to a lawyer. That is exactly what police officers themselves do when they are accused of excessive use of force on the job, or other potentially criminal activity. You would be smart to do what they do, clam up until you can talk to your lawyer and figure out what is going on, and how best to respond.