Some of the best advice that can be given is: "Know the law in your jurisdiction, and know your rights." Police absolutely count on people not knowing their rights, and pressuring them into making admissions that will convict them. They will also bend the law like a pretzel, until the courts finally stop them. Case in point: the law in New York apparently allows personal possession of small amounts of marijuana. How the cops get around this is they will stop a person on the street and order them to "empty your pockets". If someone complies, and a joint is found, then the joint is them deemed to be out in "public" and this no longer qualifies as personal possession, so the person is arrested for possession. There is no substitute for being careful; there is no substitute for knowing your rights. NC