
Encounters with police can be scary and stressful, even if you did nothing
wrong. Most law enforcement officers are just trying to do their jobs
- to keep people safe by enforcing the law.
Sometimes, unfortunately, these good intentions can be overshadowed. Police
officers are still human, and their internal biases may lead some to believe
a person is guilty of a crime without any substantial evidence. In times
like these, police officers will go to almost any measure to make sure
a person receives a guilty verdict.
Can police lie to citizens? If someone asked you this question, you would
say no, right? In actuality, the short answer is yes, police can lie when
asking questions or interrogating a suspect. They can legally lie to you about:
-
Having your fingerprints at a crime scene
-
Having an eye witness
-
The ability to obtain a search warrant
-
The severity of your sentence
1. “Your fingerprints were all over the crime scene.”
Police are permitted to lie about physical evidence that does not exist.
For example, the police officers can tell you that they found your DNA
or fingerprints crime scene. The truth is that DNA and fingerprints evidence
takes substantial time to analyze and process.
Why do they use this lie? Well, they use the lie to convince you to confess
to being at the scene of the crime or to make you give more information
that could be helpful to interrogators. The lie can also be used to trick
you into surrendering your DNA. Note that if your DNA or fingerprints
match what was found at the crime scene, this could be used as evidence
that may lead to a conviction.
2. “We have an eye witness.”
This is another lie that the police can use. Police can actually fabricate
evidence in order to get you to admit to a crime, despite the fact that
you are innocent. Even though it doesn’t seem fair to be lied to
about evidence against you, it is found to be constitutional. The lie
is combined with particular details that only the perpetrator would know.
By telling this lie, the investigators hope will hope to get you to give
a confession.
When the police tell you as fact that they have evidence against you, make
sure you do not admit to anything. You have the right to remain silent
and obtain the help of an
experienced criminal defense attorney. Even when you are innocent and trying to answer to the best of your ability,
do not give away any information without speaking with your attorney.
3. “We can get a search warrant within minutes, just let us in.”
This is another strong bluff that police can use. It does not take long
to get a search warrant. The police can get within 30 minutes or an hour.
All they have to do is call the District Attorney and a judge and give
them strong reasons why they need the warrant.
The judge will then take a few minutes to decide whether or not to approve
the search warrant. Police who use this lie usually don’t believe
they have strong reasons to convince the judge to grant the warrant. They
will use this lie hoping this will result in your compliance. You should
always refuse to let the police into your home or car unless they have
a current and active search warrant.
4. “You’ll receive a light sentence if you cooperate.”
If you get arrested, police will tell you that if you cooperate and confess,
they will make sure you get a lenient sentence. Don’t fall for this
lie. Being open with the interrogators is not helpful. They have nothing
to do with your sentencing. Only a District attorney can help you get
a light sentence.
Being open will only ensure you are found guilty. If you want to share
information with the police, make sure you have
a criminal defense attorney by your side when sharing the information. The attorney will be working
on your side and will ensure you don’t share information that could
land you in jail.
Are There Any Limits?
Even if deceptive interrogation practices are generally allowed by law,
they are not without limits. Before the investigators lie or use tricks
on you, they must read the suspect their Miranda Rights, which includes:
• The right to keep silent during the interrogation or questioning
• Anything you say can be used against you
• The right to a court-appointed attorney if you can’t afford one
The police can only use a lie or trick if they are sure that lie or trick
is not reasonably likely to produce a false confession. There are more
lies that police use. The ones highlighted above are just some of the
most common tactics. If you find yourself under arrest, be make sure to
remember the rights you have.
Don’t talk to the police without an
experienced lawyer by your side. Attorney Joseph A. Fanduzz is a seasoned trial lawyer who
has fought hard in Federal Court, State Court, and General Session court
with winning results. Get the best legal representation in your corner.
Contact Law Office of Joseph A. Fanduzz at {F:P:Site:Phone} to discuss
your case today.