What's Up Sheepdogs? Ryan here with Tampa Carry.

If you choose to carry a firearm concealed in the state of the Florida the day may come when you are forced to use your firearm in self defense.

This Is Mandatory...

Raising your right to an attorney is very different than choosing to remain silent.

Have you ever heard the phrase “You have the right to remain silent?” This phrase comes from the Miranda warnings that you've probably seen on TV in the past.

When a person is being arrested, the officer will pull out a card and read the following statement:
1. “You have the right to remain silent.
2.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
3. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him present with you while you are being questioned.
4. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning, if you wish.
5. You can decide at any time to exercise these rights and not answer any questions or make any statements.

Do you understand each of these rights I have explained to you?

Having these rights in mind, do you wish to talk to us now?”

If you choose to remain silent — and you should — that doesn't stop the police officer from asking you questions. As we discussed previously, human nature is to justify yourself after a violent encounter. Personally, I would find it extremely difficult not to answer a question someone is asking me.

Why You Must Request An Attorney

Choosing to raise your right to an attorney is different because it signals to the police that they are no longer allowed to ask you questions until adequate legal counsel is available. 

This is an extremely powerful tool that you can use to your advantage. However, just because you have raised your right to an attorney doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.

If you choose to speak, anything you say can be taken as a voluntary statement, and this statement can be used against you.  

Don't Fall For Their Tricks

I am a proud supporter of law enforcement officers, but I still recognize that police officers are very smart and manipulative. They know how to play mind games to coerce someone into talking.  

The officer may approach you and say, “This looks like a justified shooting, but I need your help. Just tell me what happened” or, “I can tell you acted in self-defense; just tell me your side of the shooting.”

Remember, you're the good guy and you are probably going to feel justified in the defensive action that you took.

You're going to want to explain what happened to that cop, and you have to fight this urge because one wrong word could land you in prison for the rest of your life. 

Keep Your Mouth Shut

In fact, the only words that should come out of your mouth after the police arrive are “I am raising my right to an attorney.” Nothing else. 

You must keep your mouth shut. No matter what the officer says or how friendly they are, you must realize that the police are not on your side. They are there to gather information and write a report. They are not concerned about what is going to happen to you as your case moves through the judicial system. 

Good Cop, Bad Cop

Another strategy the police may use to convince you to talk is the good cop, bad cop routine. One officer may pretend to be a friend who is attempting to help you, while the other may walk up and say you are guilty.

Now remember, hopefully you've already requested your right to an attorney, and the police legally have to stop once you request your right. 

Keep your mouth shut. No matter what they say, what they do, how they make you feel, what games they play, you've got to be quiet because the rest of your entire life depends on that one single fact. 

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...

Ryan G. Thomas

P.S. You’re one step away from getting your Florida concealed carry permit….FAST & EASY…

And for a limited time you can watch the concealed carry course online for free... Click here to get started...