While police officers undoubtedly serve important roles in the community, their primary objective is to keep their community safe. As such, in this endeavor to do so, those who are believed to be involved in criminal activity are often placed in custody or questioned by the police. However, during these interactions, it’s critical to understand that law enforcement may not be entirely truthful. It is imperative to understand the tactics used by officers, whether or not the police can legally lie to you, and your rights when interacting with the police. The following blog explores these matters, as well as the importance of connecting with a Sacramento criminal defense lawyer to discuss your circumstances.
Are Police Officers Allowed to Lie?
It is imperative to understand that under the law, police and law enforcement officers are permitted to lie to those whom they are interrogating or investigating as a means of obtaining information and evidence for criminal investigations. While the police cannot threaten or coerce you into providing statements, they can feed you false information in the hopes that you provide a confession or other incriminating information.
One common tactic used by police is to fabricate evidence. For example, they may tell you that they have your fingerprints or DNA at the scene of a crime, or even tell you that a witness has positively identified you as the perpetrator of a crime. They may even lie and tell you that if you come clean or cooperate, the charges against you will be lessened. It’s critical to understand that the police do not have this power, and that reducing charges or consequences is up to the prosecution.
What Should I Do When Interacting with Law Enforcement?
First and foremost, it is critical to understand that while the police are permitted to lie to you, you cannot lie to the police. This is illegal and can result in serious consequences like facing charges for making false statements, committing perjury, or obstructing justice.
As such, if you are interrogated or questioned by police officers concerning an alleged crime, there are two critical steps you should take. The first is to request an attorney. This is a right afforded to you under the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you by the state. Once you have requested legal counsel, you should then invoke your right to remain silent. This is critical, as remaining silent ensures you do not say anything that can be held against you to the police. Unfortunately, law enforcement can twist your words to hold you criminally accountable.
When you are questioned or detained by police, ensuring you take the necessary steps to protect yourself is critical. This includes connecting with an experienced criminal defense attorney with the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes. We understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to assist you through these overwhelming times. Contact us today to learn more about how we can fight for you.
