For most of my working career, I was actively involved in union leadership. I have participated in quasi-legal hearings and even around the fringes of some legal proceedings. More importantly for this conversation, I have participated in a number of workshops with legal counsel who's goal was to provide training in dealing with possible criminal arrests for our members.
The WORD, the single most important piece of advice I've ever been given, and a word of advice to you and anyone you may come in contact with, is that if you are picked up by the police, or are even just asked to stop by after work for questioning in any investigation into a crime in which you might be involved, even tangentially, don't say a word, not one, to any officer without asking for a lawyer. Under the law, the minute you say those words, the police can't ask you another question until your attorney arrives.
The police will likely start off very friendly - they are on your side - they are sure you didn't do anything wrong - they just want to know what you witnessed - what was your side of the story? Anything you say can, and will be used against you. They are recording you. They are NOT on your side - they are doing a job and gathering information. Do NOT trust them - they are not trying to exonerate you. If you DO start answering questions, but at any time you get an uneasy feeling, stop answering questions and ask for a lawyer. If you don't have one or can't afford one, they must provide you with one.
Of all the things that can mess up your life, being arrested and tried for a crime can be among the worst of them. Heed my advice - if in doubt, get a lawyer!
This does not, of course, apply to any crimes to which you might have been a witness only - you are not granted a lawyer if you are not being investigated for the crime.
This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting.
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