You Have The Right To Remain Silent
"I've replayed this scene in my head over and over, wondering if there was any way this could have turned out differently. What if I had worn a different shirt? What if I hadn't gotten my dates mixed up? What if I refused to talk until I had a lawyer present? I would have a lot of time to think about my situation: That was the last time I walked in anywhere as free man for the next eleven years" Those are the words of Ronald Cotton as is the picture above. They are from the book Picking Cotton by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino, Ronald Cotton and Erin Torneo. It is a must read for anyone who works in the Criminal Justice System.
It tells the true story of Cotton, who was picked out of a lineup by Thompson, a college student, as the man who broke into her apartment and raped her. He was innocent but spent eleven years in prison before DNA exonerated him. After he was released from prison Cotton and Thompson forged a friendship. I don't think I'm giving anything away in telling you that, it is on the inside cover.
The book does an excellent job of demonstrating how Eyewitness Misidentification can lead to wrongful arrest and conviction. Anyone that has ever tried an Aggravated Robbery or Aggravated Sexual Assault, understands the importance that eyewitness identification plays in trial. It also gives an example of why an accused must speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney before he/she speaks with the police.
When Cotton heard he was accused he figured he could go down to the police station and clear things up before he went into work. "I don't need an attorney, sir. I didn't commit this crime and I want to get this straight." That is what Cotton said before he spoke withe the police. He had an alibi. But, when he made his statement,he was nervous and confused and mixed up his dates. He came across as a liar even when he had witnesses to support the truth of his alibi. This helped lead to his conviction.
As Houston Criminal Defense Lawyers we often get calls from potential clients in this exact position. Anyone facing this situation must understand that you have the right to REMAIN SILENT. You also have the right to speak with an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning . Take advantage of your rights and if you have time read Picking Cotton.
If you need to talk to a lawyer about your criminal case please call our law firm at (713) 225-1038 for a free consultation.
Excellent review. As an ardent reader and adjunct professor this book will be a definite must read in the very near future. Thanks for the review.