What should I do if law enforcement pressures me to make false statements?
What to Do if Law Enforcement Pressures You to Make False Statements
Dealing with law enforcement can be scary. Especially if they start pressuring you to say things that ain’t true. Don’t panic. Stay calm. Know your rights. And don’t say anything without a lawyer.
Lots of folks get tricked into making false confessions. The cops tell you that if you just admit to something, they’ll let you off easy. That’s a lie. Don’t fall for it.
Don’t Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer
You have the right to remain silent under the 5th Amendment. If the police start asking you questions, ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything else. The Supreme Court says even saying “I know my rights” can be used against you . So just ask for a lawyer and then zip it.
Cops are allowed to lie to try and get you to talk . Don’t believe anything they say about letting you go if you confess. Ask for a lawyer and stay silent.
Don’t Sign Anything Without a Lawyer
The police may try to get you to sign a written statement admitting to a crime. Never sign anything without talking to a lawyer first. Don’t worry about being polite and doing what the officer says. Just say you won’t sign anything until you talk to your lawyer.
Signing a false confession can wreck your case. Don’t think you can just explain yourself later. Ask for a lawyer immediately.
Record the Interaction If You Can
If the cops won’t let you record, say you won’t speak to them unless you can record the conversation. If you can secretly record it, that’s even better. The recording can help prove they pressured you to lie. Just check your state laws first to see if secret recordings are allowed .
Don’t Try to Outsmart the Cops
You may think you can talk your way out of it. Bad idea. The police are allowed to use tricks. Don’t try to outsmart them. You could end up accidentally confessing to something you didn’t do. Just say you won’t answer questions without a lawyer.
And never resist arrest or get physical with the cops, even if they’re hassling you. That will just get you in more trouble.
Get a Lawyer ASAP
Once you ask for a lawyer, the police have to stop questioning you until the lawyer arrives . Don’t talk to them off the record. Don’t try to plead your case. Just wait for your lawyer.
If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can get a public defender. Don’t let the cops fool you into thinking a public defender won’t help. Public defenders are real lawyers who know your rights.
Some tips for finding a good lawyer:
- Ask friends or family for recommendations.
- Search online for criminal defense lawyers in your area.
- Contact your local public defender’s office.
- Call the state bar association’s lawyer referral service.
Once you get a lawyer, tell them everything that happened truthfully. Don’t try to protect the cops or downplay their threats. Your lawyer needs the full story to defend you.
File a Complaint Afterward
If the police threatened you or violated your rights, file a complaint with their department afterward . Get any witnesses’ names and contact info too. This creates a record of their misconduct.
You can also complain to organizations like the ACLU or NAACP. They may be able to apply public pressure.
Don’t Lose Hope
Being pressured to lie is scary. But don’t panic. Stay strong and know your rights. Get a good lawyer on your side. Many cases have been dismissed when it comes out cops forced a false confession .
You know the truth. With courage and patience, justice can still prevail. Don’t lose hope.
References
Salinas v. Texas
Police Trickery in Interrogations
Recording Phone Calls and Conversations
Police Questioning and the Miranda Warnings
How to File a Police Misconduct Complaint
False Confessions and Admissions