Breaking Laws: Evading Capture And Getting Away

Breaking the law is something that few people ever intend to do, and sometimes, one might not even be aware that they are doing something considered illegal. While the police may not always prosecute, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area to avoid any unintended consequences. This is especially true when travelling or living abroad, as laws can vary greatly from country to country and even within different states or municipalities. For example, something as simple as beeping your car horn outside of specific hours or applying makeup while driving can be considered breaking the law in certain places.

Never talk to the police

If you want to break the law and get away with it, one of the most important things to remember is to never talk to the police. Here's why:

Police Can Lie to You, But Your Attorney Can't

When interacting with a suspect, police officers are allowed to lie. They may tell you that you're not a suspect, that they have lots of evidence pointing to your guilt, or that your friends are talking, and you should start talking too. However, don't fall for any of these tricks. If the police want to talk to you, politely decline and state that you will invoke your Fifth Amendment right to silence and will not say anything further without an attorney present.

Police Won't Advocate for You in Court, But Your Attorney Will

Police officers are trained to get arrests and make incriminating statements. They will act friendly and try to get you to lower your guard so that they can extract as much information from you as possible. Remember, anything you say to a police officer can and will be used against you in a court of law. On the other hand, your attorney is bound by law to keep anything you say confidential, or they risk getting disbarred.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives you the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to answer police questions, and the officer cannot arrest you for refusing to answer. If you are stopped by a police officer, you can ask, "Am I free to go?" If the officer says yes, then you should leave. If they say no, consider yourself a suspect and exercise your right to remain silent.

Police May Mislead or Misunderstand You

Police interviews are aimed at getting a confession. Officers may attempt to mislead you into incriminating yourself, or they may misunderstand what you say. You may also feel pressured to lie to the police during the interview, which can affect your credibility and make you seem more suspicious. Remember, the police officer's job is to make arrests, not to determine the truth.

Only the Prosecutor Can Make Deals

Police officers do not have the authority to make deals or give you leniency. That power rests with the prosecutor. So, if a police officer tries to convince you to talk by promising a deal or reduced charges, don't fall for it.

In conclusion, if you want to break the law and get away with it, remember to never talk to the police. Always exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.

Always have an alibi

An alibi is a crucial element of a criminal defence strategy. It is a way to prove that you were somewhere else when a crime occurred, demonstrating that you couldn't have committed it. A solid alibi can significantly weaken the prosecution's case and lead to an acquittal.

Timing and Location

The success of an alibi defence relies on establishing your location during the time the crime was committed. It is essential to provide evidence of your whereabouts, including specific times and dates. This can be supported by various forms of evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, video footage, and date-stamped surveillance recordings.

Corroborating Witnesses

Eyewitnesses who can attest to your presence at a specific time and place are valuable. These witnesses should be reliable and trustworthy, as they will likely be cross-examined by the prosecution. The best witnesses are often disinterested parties, such as servers or taxi drivers, as they have no apparent motive to lie. While friends and family can also serve as witnesses, they may be viewed with more suspicion by the jury.

Documentary Evidence

Receipts, tickets, and other documents can help establish your presence at a particular location. For example, credit or debit card transactions, hotel or restaurant receipts, plane or train tickets, and even parking garage tickets can be used as evidence. The further away these locations are from the crime scene, the stronger your alibi becomes.

Electronic Evidence

In today's digital age, electronic evidence can play a crucial role in establishing an alibi. This includes GPS or cell phone tracking information, social media posts, and security camera footage. For instance, if you were posting on social media from a different location at the time of the crime, it would be challenging to argue that you were at the crime scene.

Attorney Representation

Constructing a strong alibi defence can be complex, and it is highly recommended to seek legal representation. A criminal defence attorney can guide you through the process, help gather evidence, and ensure your rights are protected. They can also cross-examine prosecution witnesses and challenge their evidence.

Remember, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and you do not have to prove your alibi beyond a reasonable doubt. A well-crafted alibi defence can introduce reasonable doubt into the minds of the jury, which can lead to an acquittal.

Leave no trace

Leaving no trace is a critical component of getting away with breaking the law. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you don't leave any evidence behind:

Eliminate All Physical Evidence

Start by understanding the concept of a "crime scene." A crime scene is any location where illegal activity took place or evidence of a crime might be found. To leave no trace, you must effectively eliminate all physical evidence from the crime scene. This includes fingerprints, DNA, hair fibres, and any other identifying marks. Wear gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, and use a hair net or cover your face to prevent hair and dead skin cells from being left behind.

Dispose of Evidence Properly

Any items used during the commission of the crime, such as weapons, tools, or clothing, must be carefully disposed of. Burning or destroying the evidence is an option, but be cautious as this can create additional traceable evidence, like ashes or remnants. Burying or submerging items in water can work, but be sure to choose a remote, isolated location. Another method is to dispose of items in multiple trash receptacles over an extended period, making it more challenging for the items to be connected to you.

Avoid Surveillance

In today's world, surveillance cameras are everywhere, from street corners to businesses and private residences. Plan your movements to avoid these cameras, and if you must enter an area with cameras, consider wearing a disguise or using an umbrella to block your face. Additionally, be aware of your digital footprint. Never use personal devices or accounts that can be traced back to you, and refrain from communicating about your plans or activities via email, text, or social media.

Use Misdirection

Sometimes, the best way to leave no trace is to create a false trail. This involves planting misleading evidence to mislead investigators and lead them astray. For instance, you could leave behind fake fingerprints or orchestrate alibis with witnesses who support your false whereabouts. However, exercise extreme caution to ensure that the false trail cannot be traced back to you or any of your associates.

Maintain Secrecy

The old adage, "two can keep a secret if one of them is dead," applies here. Minimise the number of people who know about your activities. Operate on a strict "need-to-know" basis, and even then, keep the circle small and tight-knit. Avoid discussing your plans or activities in public places, and exercise caution even in private settings. The less information there is about your illegal activities, the more challenging it will be to connect you to the crime.

Avoid minor crimes

While it is not advisable or encouraged to break the law, here is some information on how to avoid getting caught for minor crimes.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the laws in your area. For example, prank calling may be considered a right of passage for some, but it can also be illegal and classed as harassment or disorderly conduct. Similarly, jaywalking, or violating traffic laws as a pedestrian, can carry a fine or even be illegal, depending on where you are. If you are unsure about the rules in your area, be sure to look them up.

Another way to avoid getting caught for minor crimes is to use common sense and remove yourself from compromising situations. For instance, if you know ahead of time that there may be a disturbance or volatile situation somewhere, simply don't go. By staying at home, you significantly reduce the chance of getting arrested.

Additionally, when drinking publicly, make sure you are in control. Police are often unhappy to deal with drunk people causing a disturbance, and this can lead to a quick arrest.

It is also important to never get physical with a police officer. Resisting arrest will only make the process more difficult and is likely to result in multiple unnecessary offenses.

Furthermore, it is advised to keep all prescription drugs in their proper containers. Consolidating medications into one container can create suspicion and cause unnecessary headaches.

Finally, if you are ever in a situation where you feel something is not right, walk away. Removing yourself from these situations can save you money, time, and embarrassment.

Remember, while these methods may help you avoid getting caught for minor crimes, breaking the law always carries risks and potential consequences.

Get a lawyer

If you are planning to break the law, it is important to know your rights and have legal representation.

Firstly, it is worth noting that the average person commits around seven crimes per week, according to a poll by onepoll.com. These are often minor crimes, such as speeding, talking or texting while driving, or dropping litter. However, if you are concerned about inadvertently breaking the law, it is best to avoid taking these risks. For example, if you want to be sure to avoid drink driving, don't drink anything at all before getting behind the wheel.

If you are arrested, it is important to get a lawyer as soon as possible. Do not talk to the police without a lawyer present. You are entitled to legal representation and you should make use of this right. Even if you are innocent, it is important to have a lawyer to guide you through the process and ensure your rights are respected.

If you are guilty, a lawyer can help you to navigate the legal system and potentially reduce your sentence. They can advise you on plea bargains, which could result in a reduced charge or sentence. For example, a speeding violation may be downgraded to a parking violation, resulting in a smaller fine and no points on your license.

In addition to getting a lawyer, it is important to remember to:

• Always have an alibi
• Leave no traces or witnesses
• Plan out the crime and anticipate unpredictable events

Frequently asked questions