When we tell people to never, ever, ever speak to the cops, we mean it. We have seen horrible things happen to those that decide to speak to the cops over 30 years of helping people accused of crimes.

The latest victim of major stupidity is Hollywood Director John McTiernan, who is about to spend one year in county jail and pay a fine of $100,000 after he was found guilty of lying to an FBI agent about his dealing with criminal defendant Anthony Pelicano.

At first McTiernan had agreed to a four month jail sentence. However, he then withdrew his guilty plea. After doing so prosecutors filed more criminal charges and now his sentence in jail with be tripled to one year in county jail.

So the moral of this story is to repeat what we have said for over 30 years. When the police wish to talk to you nicely tell them no thank you. Even if they ask you twice, even if they make scary sounding threats, continue to say no thank you.

Here is why.

If you speak to them and it turns out later what you said was not 100% truthful, you can be prosecuted for a crime, giving false information to a police officer.

If you speak to them then the police have your statement, likely recorded. This means that no matter what happens in the future, you are stuck with that statement. Even if you were nervous and said something that you wish you had not said, you are stuck with your statement.

On the other hand if you are smart and keep your mouth shut, you will not be making a statement to the police that in almost every single case will make your case much worse.

For over 30 years, Wallin & Klarich has represented clients throughout Southern California who have been accused of giving false information to the police. If you or a loved one is facing similar charges in Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, or Ventura Counties, please call us toll-free at 888-280-6839. We will be there when you call.