When Innocence Isn’t Enough: A 7-Step Survival Guide for the Innocent
Recognizing the rising need to aid law-abiding citizens who inadvertently find themselves ensnared in disputes with those who manipulate the system, I felt it crucial to share some survival strategies. It’s an unfortunate reality that these individuals often become victims of exploitation or manipulation. Hence, here’s some advice for those individuals who unexpectedly find themselves under suspicion or arrest. If unscrupulous individuals can benefit from these strategies, it’s high time that you do too.
- File Your Grievance Immediately
Be proactive and make sure your voice is heard first, even if you initiated the situation or were in the wrong. Should you suspect the law enforcement might be involved, strike first. Contact the police and make your case fervently. If there’s any hint of discrimination, don’t shy away from mentioning it.
2. Assert a Counterclaim
No matter what actually happened, don’t allow the other party to escape blame. If they’ve already contacted the authorities, make a counterclaim. Discrimination is a serious matter; use it to your advantage. Especially when there are no third-party witnesses, allegations can become a negotiation tool. When everything comes down to a he-said-she-said scenario, the legal system often hesitates, giving you the upper hand.
I felt incredibly uncomfortable when they singled me out in the group, their comments had a [insert marginalized group here] discriminatory undertone that made me question their intentions.
3. Remain Silent When Apprehended
When law enforcement arrives, maintain silence. As an upstanding citizen, you might believe reasoning will clear things up. However, initial explanations often do more harm than good. Recorded statements in an interrogation room will come later. Speaking prematurely may simply provide more evidence against you.
4. Deny All Accusations
An admission of guilt is the easiest way for law enforcement to build a case against you. Without it, their case may weaken significantly. Therefore, resist the urge to admit fault, deny it, or even share your perspective. Let them present their evidence before making any decisions. A lack of confession can throw them off balance, making them apprehensive about taking the case to trial.
5. Retain a Lawyer
Always ensure you have legal representation. Unless you are certain that your friend, the lawyer, specializes in criminal law and is competent, opt for a public defender. They specialize in criminal law and know their craft well. Follow their advice to navigate the system without being tripped up by law enforcement or the prosecutor. Even if it seems like you are hiding something by having a lawyer, that concern is inconsequential. Entering an interrogation without a lawyer is like flaunting an expensive watch in a crime-prone area. It’s just not wise.
6. Raise Complaints
Don’t hesitate to voice complaints about law enforcement’s behavior. Whether they were impolite, used handcuffs, denied you food, or made the holding cell uncomfortable, make your grievances known. Even minor or seemingly baseless complaints can be effective. They muddy the situation and can paint a picture of you being pursued due to personal vendettas.
7. Display No Respect for the Legal System
Surprisingly, adopting a defiant, dismissive, and uncooperative stance may work in your favor should a conviction be looming. Acting unconcerned about the legal process and its stakeholders may create a sense of ambiguity and unease, potentially leading to a less severe sentence if you’re convicted. The legal system is not always logical, and at times, a bold approach can yield unexpected outcomes.
In conclusion, being noble and honest can sometimes backfire. Adopting some of the tactics habitual criminals use can potentially lessen the impact of your situation. Learn from them; it’s their way of life.
Disclaimer: This post is intended to provide general, well-meaning advice and does not constitute legal counsel. It’s important to remember that each legal case is unique, and the effectiveness of any strategy can vary greatly depending on the specifics. It’s crucial to consult with a professional legal representative before taking any action based on the content of this article. The author and the publication are not liable for any consequences that may arise from the use of the information provided herein.
