Guilty or innocent, whatever the charge: sexual assault, money laundering, shoplifting, treason, whatever: it is almost always best to keep your counsel. And by that I don't mean stick with the same attorney. I mean SHUT UP.

It is important not to talk with anyone, particularly with the police, especially if you are in custody. Also, as an aside, if you are in jail, do not talk to fellow prisoners. It is in very many ways the same as talking to the police. In some cases it will be in your best interest to tell exactly what you know. Fine, do that only when your attorney tells you to. There is always time to give your side of the story. Meanwhile when the police put pressure on you to talk to them (and they will) be polite, make the lawyer the bad guy --my attorney tells me not to talk-- and tell them you will talk to them when you are with your lawyer. In this manner you can deflect the pressure they put on you in a nice way. If they persist stay polite and simply clam up. Prepare yourself to hear this: "It will go easier on you if you tell us NOW" or, and this is my favorite: "It looks bad if you don't talk." At that point repeat the following mantra in your head (remember, you’re not to talk) No, it doesn't look bad. It looks like I am asserting a right that is the cotter pin of our freedom.