Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!well!rogue@well.sf.ca.us
From: rogue@well.sf.ca.us (L. Brett Glass)
Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk
Subject: A Modest Proposal: An EFF Hotline
Message-ID: <22708@well.sf.ca.us>
Date: 18 Jan 91 01:51:44 GMT
Sender: rogue@well.sf.ca.us
Lines: 26

Last night, I was considering what would happen if (for some reason) the
FBI or Secret Service conducted an unwarranted raid on my premises. I
understand the most fundamental guidelines: Don't say anything without
a lawyer present, don't sign anything, etc.... However, should I be
offered an opportunity to call for a lawyer, I wouldn't know who to call.
(I don't normally deal with lawyers at all, and clearly it takes a special
breed to deal with issues like these.)

And what if I were brought down to the station house, detained, allowed to
make one phone call? How could I guarantee that I'd reach someone who could
help?

I'm sure that many of us are in this same position. I'd therefore like to
propose that the EFF establish an "EFF Hotline," where one could -- with
a single phone call -- arrange for legal counsel and other competent help.

I'd be willing to help set up such a service -- either by playing host to
the answering machine and relaying calls, or by establishing a list of
competent lawyers to whom cases can be referred.

How about it? If we establish such a service, and publicize it widely,
it's less likely that people investigated for alleged computer-related
crimes will be subjected to the sort of intimidation which Len Rose
experienced not long ago.

<rogue>