tell it to the judge

Suggesting what the police might say to a suspect who protests his innocence prior to trial.

• "Al slid off Rhodes's back and moved away from him, hands in the air. “I was just being helpful.” “Tell it to the judge,” Rhodes said, and he took off after Frankie."
• "“Wait a minute, you don't understand, I wouldn`t kill my best friend!” Robert continued yelling. “Yeah, yeah, that's what they all say, tell it to the judge.”"
• "“What? No. No! That's not true — he — wait just a —” stammered Fancy. Kinslow cut him off, “Tell it to the judge!”"