"Lawyering Up" sounds cool. But what does it actually mean? Lawyering up is slang for a suspect properly invoking his right to counsel and the police have to cease all questions until the lawyer shows up. It is every citizen's responsibility to know his or her rights. It is also every citizen's responsibility to invoke said rights. The police officer only has to tell you your Miranda rights when you are not free to leave and are being questioned by the police officer. Even then the police officer only has to tell you that you have a right to remain silent, anything you say can or will be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to an attorney, if you can't afford one, one will be provided to you.
A cop does not need to tell you that he thinks you need a lawyer. A cop can tell you a lawyer will only complicate things. A cop can tell you that a lawyer will ruin any chance you have at a deal or getting out of jail. A cop can still ask you questions if you are unsure about wanting a lawyer.
You must be clear. You have to say, "I want a lawyer.", "I want my lawyer." "I am not talking until my lawyer is here." You can even go as far and say, " I invoke my rights to remain silent and to speak to an attorney."
The point is, you must be crystal clear you want an attorney. And that is how to properly "lawyer up".
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