The Reasons Behind False Confessions
Did you know that false confessions are very much prevalent in the criminal justice system, and often, this is the biggest reason why innocent people get convicted?
Such issues raise one very obvious question: why do false confessions happen? And the straight answer to this is because of unfair investigation tactics implemented by the cops.
Always remember that even if you have confessed to something that you didn’t do, you still hold the right to protect yourself. So, you can have your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer present with you during the interrogation procedure! An expert lawyer can fight for you and have your false confession disregarded to ensure a favorable outcome!
Intimidation: One of the Main Reasons Behind False Confessions
Most of the false confessions occur because people get intimidated by the cops. Why so?
Well, people have a belief stuck in their heads that they will get physically tortured if they don’t talk! However, that scenario is not as common as it was previously. However, the cops still have the habit of intimidating their suspects and compelling them to confess to crimes that they weren’t even a part of!
Now, intimidation can include physical threats, threats that concern your livelihood, or threats that may tarnish your reputation. At the end of the day, any kind of threat that causes financial, physical, psychological, and emotional harm can be categorized as intimidation.
Deceptive Practices to Extract Confessions
The cops can surely imply deceptive practices to make sure that they get a confession out of you! Here are some of the most common deceptive practices that they use white interrogating-
- They might state that they know for sure you committed the crime.
- They might state that they have all the evidence that clearly proves your association with the crime.
- They might state that they have witnesses who saw you committing the crime.
- They might state that another one of their suspects has already confessed that you committed the crime.
These kinds of statements, along with a combination of intimidation tactics, can really confuse you and make you believe that a false confession would save you from the trouble! And that’s exactly why the presence of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer at the spot is necessary.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
We at the Logue Law Group understand how intimidating an arrest can be for a person. But it is also important for you to keep in mind that you have your rights.
So, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers have jotted down some pieces of advice that can protect you from a false confession-
Don’t trust what they tell you
First and foremost, just don’t trust what the cops tell you. No matter how truthful those statements seem, remember that this is their way to make their job easier.
Stay patient
You might be held by the cops for hours and interrogated repeatedly. The cops do this to wear you down. But stay patient, and keep your calm.
Remain silent
One thing that you should remember is that you are not obligated to answer any of the cops’ questions. Also, keep in mind that anything you say can be held against you. So, listen to your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer’s advice and remain silent.
Exercise your right to call a lawyer
You have the right to call a lawyer at the time of interrogation. So, if you’ve placed this request, the cops just cannot interrogate you without the presence of a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer! Also, this is one of the best ways to ensure protection.
So, if you’re being pressed unfairly by the cops to confess to a crime you didn’t commit, call us at 844.PITT.DUI and ensure your rights are protected!