Dave Nathanson

It’s #STFUfriday!

When cops ask you questions, ask for a lawyer and then STFU:

- I am not discussing how I’m doing or where I’m going.

- Am I free to leave?

- I am not answering any questions.

- If they ask to search anything: "I do not consent to a search."

- I want to talk to a lawyer.

Let's say you start talking to the cops. You realize that was a bad decision (you will). You have the right to change your mind and stop talking at any time. Don't compound your mistake. STFU. Lawyer. /1

Mar 13 at 7:54pmWeb
Show threadDave NathansonMar 13
As with every #STFUfriday post, I'm a lawyer in the USA. These comments are based on law in the USA. (And they apply to all people in the USA, whether or not they are citizens.) Some US states provide more protections than this. /end
Show threadDopes The FrogmanMar 13
@D_J_Nathanson I try my best to avoid the cops entirely, almost like the plague. However, knowing to stfu and only give scripted answers always helps, especially being racially profiled.
Show threadDave NathansonMar 13

@macacator You know it.

I'm happy to have any suggestions if you think I can improve these. I frequently get comments (mostly, but not always, from white people) that "that doesn't work for Black people." I try to take it seriously. Here's one attempt. Anyway, if you have comments, I'm interested.
https://mastodon.social/@D_J_Nathanson/112113370386181454

Show threadDopes The FrogmanMar 13

@D_J_Nathanson white people need to stfu about what "works and doesn't work for black people," because their whiteness is a privilege we don't have.

Thy only thing that I've seen and experienced so far that works is knowing your rights and the laws in your state regarding being stopped, accepting the fact that they're going to be racially profiled, and keep their answers short and concise. Keeping their car clean and working always helps to limit drawing attention.