Watch Out for Interrogation Tricks Used by Delaware Police
Investigators, detectives, and other law enforcement officers receive considerable training on how to perform their jobs effectively. They are specifically educated on the ways to question individuals of suspected criminal activity, even before arrest. Police do their best to get a confession during interrogations, even when their tactics may violate your right against self-incrimination under the US and Delaware Constitutions. While you should contact an experienced Wilmington criminal defense attorney to represent your interests for a police interview, here are some of the interrogation tactics police commonly use.
Lying About the Evidence: A police officer may bluff or exaggerate the facts within their knowledge, claiming they have information tying you to a crime. They may say that they spoke to witnesses, have your DNA, or found your personal effects at the scene. Do not attempt to convince them of your innocence at this point. Stay quiet, as you will have other opportunities to defend against the charges.
Being a Friend: An interrogator may try to convince you that you will receive leniency if you consent to a search or provide them with information. Police may even offer to give you preferential treatment if you help them solve a case by answering questions. However, these officers are not on your side. They are trying to take advantage of your fears.
Telling You That Silence Works Against You: You have a constitutional right to remain silent, but investigators will often tell you that silence is incriminating or makes you look suspicious. If law enforcement still tries to get you to talk, you should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Using Tricky Language to Get Your Consent: If you are confronted at home or at your place of business, police must either have a warrant or your consent to search the premises. They may attempt to get your permission by using language intended to trick you. Officers often word their questions in a confusing manner, making it difficult to figure out whether you should answer yes or no. Watch out for this type of language, do not let police enter, and remind them that you do not consent to any search.
Playing the “Good Cop – Bad Cop” Routine: This ploy can be easy to spot, since it is a classic from movies and TV. You may observe one officer taking a tough-as-nails approach during questioning, while the other is calm and more understanding. Still, you must remember that it is a routine designed to get you to confess or provide information. Police are essentially acting in a real-life play, and may have practiced this techniques with many suspects in the past.
Do Not Let Police Interrogation Tactics Violate Your Rights
The best way to protect your rights during police interrogation techniques is to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer at your side. For more information, please contact Attorney Michael W. Modica at 302.600.1262 or via our website. We can review your circumstances and develop a defense strategy after conducting a consultation at our Wilmington, DE office.
Resource:
delcode.delaware.gov/constitution/constitution-02.shtml