Many people think they can talk their way out of an arrest.
Chances are if the officer has made an arrest decision, nothing a citizen says will change their mind. Yet, some people seem to think they can outsmart or somehow intimidate the officer into letting them go free.
Here are 5 things people say to get out of an arrest that never work:
1) “My dad is a lawyer and [insert threat here].”
This is a common quote from kids in the 17 to 26-year-old range. Often times they will threaten to have daddy sue you, get you fired, or will spout off about how they know the law.
I am sure daddy loves you and will look out for you. But, chances are your daddy works for a boss. Or if he is the boss, he has bills to pay. Is the amount of time, energy and money it will take him to come after me in court actually worth it to the law firm? Doubt it.
My response:
“Having a lawyer in the family is not a get out of jail free card. Just like having a mechanic in the family does not create a situation of free auto repair for life.”
2) “I know the police chief.”
A popular quote from middle-aged men with ties on. Often times these guys do know the chief. Our chief is a member of multiple community groups due to various political reasons. The thing is, the chief has no clue who half the people in the group are.
My response:
“You might know the chief, but chances are the chief doesn’t know you. And even if he did, I’m sorry to say that it still wouldn’t mean a thing to him.”
3) “If you arrest me I will lose my job.”
I got told this one a lot in my younger days working traffic, usually on drunk driving arrests. The people saying this were from a mix of ages and backgrounds. Typically they’d have a job that required traveling – anything from traveling sales representative to commercial motor carrier driver.
Most areas have a mandatory license suspension as part of the DUI process. Yes, a person can get an “occupational license” to drive to work when suspended; however, many insurance companies will not cover an employee with an occupational license. Thus, get suspended = get fired.
My response:
“I guess you should have thought about losing your job before getting wasted and trying to drive home. Hopefully your friends and co-workers will learn from your mistake.”
4) “Do you know who I am?”
Often times this is said by business owners or folks holding some important position in the community. Because 99% of the community looks up to them, they feel that somehow they are exempt from the law.
My response:
“According to your identification you are [name goes here]. I don’t recall seeing you listed in any of our statutes as being exempt from the law you have broken.”
5) “My taxes pay your salary.”
This is said by basically anyone and everyone. It does become humorous when it is said by people who are unemployed.
My response:
“Guess you are subsidizing your own arrest today. The other tax payers will be so happy to learn you are getting a tangible return on your investment. “
