I am starting this thread due to something that was said in another thread about how a guy who got raided volunteered info to the police because he thought it would help him in the long-run.Some of you are experienced enough to know what I am fixing to say so this is generally directed at those people who have NEVER had a run in with L.E. or had experience with the criminal courts.First off you MUST know what part L.E. plays in crime and the courts. The police are directed to Protect and Serve the public. They are also directed to gather evidence that is related to a crime they are investigating. If you are approached, raided, arrested, or just shooting the bull with a Law Enforcement Officer you have the 'right to remain silent'... if you 'give up' this constitutional right, ANYTHING you say can be used against you in a court of law. All I wrote up there, 99% of you already know or have heard it before... but do you 'TRULY' understand it???When a police officer is interrogating (talking to) you his ONLY goal is to gather evidence. Most cops could care less if you open your mouth unless you actually do, then you just made his/her day. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TALK TO THEM!!and in ALL cases it does you NO (and I mean ZERO!!) good to talk to the police. The officer/detective questioning you has NO say so in court when it comes to your guilt or innocence or really even your sentencing... once you plead out you will never even see the cop/detective again. His ONLY role is to TELL the court what 'YOU SAID' if it goes to trial. If you kept your mouth shut then the ONLY thing he can testify to is what he saw or what he wrote in his notes, and since he is an Officer of the Court his word is GOLDEN!When it comes to 'cutting a deal', that comes from the state or federal prosecutor... and in the case of the Feds that can only come from the judge... Federal Prosecutors 'can' ASK for a deal as part of a plea bargain but the Judge 'DOES NOT' have to accept it.I have tried to be a plain as possible as this is a VERY VERY important topic. You MUST get your mind right now... stand in front of the mirror and repeat over and over till it is second nature:I WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERI WANT A LAWYERSince asking for a Lawyer is your constitutional right then asking for one at the time of your arrest CAN NOT be used against you later... the judge is not going to throw the book at you for asking for a lawyer... BUT! he damn sure can throw it at you for confessing.I hope I have helped you understand why it is SO important to NOT talk... Good Luck,TJ