Jan. 20, 2015

Charles Everage has won big legal cases against the police. He’s defended the police. The Montgomery native with a Charlotte practice spoke Tuesday at the Forum, and had some unambiguous advice for people young and old who find themselves in an encounter with the police. Excerpts are below. The video captures his entire presentation and the Q&A that followed.

“It is very important that we teach and that our young people learn to respect authority figures, right or wrong…. When you are given a directive from someone that has authority, and someone that has a deadly weapon, you must follow that directive,” he said.

“If you do not follow that directive, you are subject to more than arrest…. So follow that directive, remain respectful, keep your mouth shut.

“Everyone knows their right to remain silent because they saw something on television. That is not the time to give your opinion. Follow the directive. Comply.  Get arrested. Go down to the station. You’ll survive another day. You can file a complaint the next day about something that was not, that you believe you were racially profiled or mistreated….

“I’ve been arrested. I survived that. I don’t have a criminal record. If something that’s inappropriate that’s happening, just remain calm and follow those directives.

“ And that’s something we’ve really got to impress upon our community. There’s a lot of anger out there, but how do you control yourself in those situations?”