Dealing with law enforcement officers can be intimidating and scary, so understanding your rights is essential. One question we often get is: “Can the police lie to me?” This article will explore police interactions and when you should contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What is Police Deception?

Law enforcement officers are allowed leeway with the truth when it comes to determining if somebody is guilty of a crime. Thus, the police may make false statements or mislead a suspect in order to uncover the truth about what occurred or even to obtain a confession. Many people believe there are ethical and moral issues surrounding the police lying, but it is generally considered legal.

What Are My Rights When the Police Question Me?

Most people have a general understanding of their rights under the U.S. Constitution, but there are two critical rights to remember when you are arrested:

• You have the right to remain silent. But what does this actually mean? The 5^th Amendment gives you the right to say nothing so you cannot be compelled to incriminate yourself. It is important to note that you can exercise your right to be silent, even if you did not initially exercise it.
• You have the right to a lawyer. You can request an attorney be present during an interrogation by the police. Even if you are unable to pay for an attorney, one will be provided for you.

The police do not have to inform you of the above rights until you are in their custody. As a result, a common tactic of law enforcement is to have discussions with suspects prior to taking them into custody, so be aware.

What are Common Tactics Used by the Police?

Police officers can legally use certain techniques to gather information from suspects. A few common tactics include:

• Falsely claiming they have evidence. An officer may falsely claim they have evidence against you, which may include saying a witness saw you commit the crime.
• Making false promises. The most common false promise is that if you provide information about the crime or admit guilt, they will be more lenient on you, or you will obtain a more favorable outcome.
• The “good cop/bad cop” method. This technique involves one officer playing the mean, confrontational “bad cop,” while another officer is understanding and kind as the “good cop.”

If you are ever being interrogated by the police, it is important to watch for these tactics and avoid falling into the officer’s trap.

Tips on How to Handle Interactions with the Police

If you find yourself in a situation where you must interact with the police, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and respectful. Being confrontational with police officers will only make matters worse for you. If possible, you should record the interaction on your phone. A voice recording or video can provide key evidence if your rights are violated. Finally, if you start to feel uncomfortable and believe the officers suspect you of a crime, tell the officer you want to assert your rights to remain silent and to speak with an attorney.

Seek Legal Guidance As Soon as Possible

Whether you believe the police coerced you or you are facing criminal charges and don’t know what to do, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can review the circumstances of your arrest and determine if your rights were violated, and fight aggressively to obtain the most positive outcome for your situation.

You Should Not Face Criminal Charges Alone – Contact Us Today

If you are facing criminal charges it is critical to seek the help of experienced criminal defense professionals. Our BMO criminal defense attorney legal team provides upfront communication and aggressive representation of our clients. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle at (405) 692-7676 to ensure your rights are protected and to receive the best possible defense.