Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!netsys!daemon
From: niu.bitnet!TK0JUT2@netsys.NETSYS.COM
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: What should be done with the cops come a'knockin at the door?
Message-ID: <180@netsys.NETSYS.COM>
Date: 24 Sep 90 01:25:29 GMT
Sender: daemon@netsys.NETSYS.COM
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A question for the law types out there: There has been considerable
discussion on various nets about how to handle a situation if local or
federal investigators come to the door. Is there a rule of thumb on what to
do if:

1) One has done nothing wrong, but doesn't want to talk?
2) One isn't sure if they've done something wrong, and doesn't want to risk
   incrimination?
3) One has committed some transgression, but it isn't clear whether this
   visit is about those, or, if it is, how much one should cooperate?
4) At what point should one keep silent? At what point should an atty be
   requested? At one point should it be asked, "Am I under investigation?"

It appears that those who have cooperated with the secret service, either
through sincere belief that they did nothing wrong or through coercion have
not been helped by their cooperation. There are rumors, stories,
misconceptions, and general misinformation about how one should act and how
one can assure their rights are protected. Could somebody draft up
something that might be used to reduce the ignorance of the rest of us?

Jim Thomas