That could very well be a cra*shoot in itself. I know many that are well educated and know the law to a large degree but even the best of lawyers can't answer without researching the topic. I worked for a rather large law firm for many years and got to know several quite well and on a personal level. They aren't the sleaze that they are made out to be with few exceptions as any generalization would find. But the are highly specialized and know their area of expertise well and other areas outside that frame little without research. While not my prime function, many times I would have to school them in certain procedures. I gave one a Cliff book version of Breathalyzer operation until we realized it was my arrest and her client in another jurisdiction. One came crying to me she got a speeding ticket and I had to come to court with her. She had never been before a judge.
The point is, be wary of who you take advice from as it's your butt on the line.
I've found my local police dept. to be very helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They're the ones enforcing the laws...makes sense to me to ask them about the laws they are paid to enforce. If they tell me something is legal, then they're not going to give me grief about it.
I think we need to calm down. You only need to fear "the man" if you're doing something wrong, just as the Bible says...
Romans 13:3-5 (NLT) - For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God