[uts]

I want to clarify the scope of this advice. If I've actually committed a crime and a cop is interrogating me about it, I should shut up and talk to my lawyer. (e.g. I robbed someone's house) In the other extreme, if someone's committed a crime against me, I should actively call the police to talk to them (e.g. someone robbed my house).

The majority of interactions with police fall somewhere between these two examples in terms of susceptibility. What determines when I should be talking to the cops and when I shouldn't?

[Udo]

> If I've actually committed a crime

The article (and other such presentations on the subject) indicate very clearly that innocence is not a factor. It doesn't seem to matter if you've committed a crime or not - and whether your assessment your own innocence itself actually holds true or not is yet another uncertain factor.

> if someone's committed a crime against me

Then your lawyer will facilitate all the necessary measures, and he/she'll do it better and more efficiently than you ever could.

> What determines when I should be talking to the cops and when I shouldn't?

Beyond basic cooperation at, say, a traffic stop or during an emergency, most experts seem to agree that you should never, under any circumstances talk directly to any law enforcement personnel.

[Karellen]

If the police initiate the contact, shut up and talk to your lawyer. Because someone else might have robbed a house, and the police have you as a suspect (maybe you look like the perp) and if you open your big mouth without a lawyer, you could accidentally get yourself into trouble.

See the "never talk to the cops" youtube vid, which is undoubtably already linked somewhere else in the thread, about why you need a lawyer in those circumstances, and why your right to a lawyer is especially there to protect you when you are actually innocent.

[mellavora]

How do you know if you have committed a crime or not?

How do you know that the LEO will not, during his discussion with you, trick or lead you into committing or admitting to some crime?

[baddox]

You should have a lawyer before you talk to police about a crime committed against you as well.