Police officers are responsible for enforcing our laws and protecting our communities, so they are typically viewed as trustworthy and reliable people. But, police officers aren’t always honest. In fact, the law permits police officers to stretch the truth under certain circumstances. When are the police allowed to lie? Here’s what you need to know:
Lying to Get A Confession
Police officers are legally allowed to lie or mislead suspects if they are trying to get them to confess to committing a crime. For example, a police officer may tell a suspect that he has evidence the suspect committed a crime. He may say that a witness came forward to name the suspect even though this is not true. A police officer may also fib by saying physical evidence was discovered that proves the suspect committed the crime. Sometimes, a police officer will even tell a suspect that one of his accomplices finally gave in and told the police everything.
A suspect that is fed this information may feel as if he has no choice but to confess since the police already have enough evidence to convict him. Later, the suspect may realize that the police officer was not telling the truth. But sadly, a confession cannot be thrown out just because a police offer used these tactics in order to get it.
Lying to Get You to Talk
Everyone has the right to remain silent, but police officers often get frustrated when they are unable to get someone to talk. When this happens, the police might turn to dishonesty in order to get a suspect to start answering questions. For instance, a police officer may suggest that the suspect’s refusal to cooperate will lead to more severe consequences in his criminal case. A police officer may also tell a suspect that by not answering questions, he is simply making himself look more guilty. This is not the case, so don’t fall for these lies.
A police officer may also try to convince a suspect to cooperate by using phrases such as “it’s in your best interest,” or “we’re just trying help you.” But, police officers are not looking out for you in this situation. Even if you have nothing to hide, it’s recommended that you wait until an attorney is with you before you begin speaking.
If you are facing criminal charges, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Reisch Law Firm today. Our team will stand by your side throughout the legal process to ensure that you do not hurt your case by falling for these tricks. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
