Civil Rights
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Was your police confession coerced? If so, you may be able to have it thrown out, regardless of the truth of your confession.
When you are arrested or interrogated, you are at a distinct disadvantage to the authorities. You may be tired, afraid, or just plain confused. You could be questioned by hardened investigators who know all the tricks to trip you up and get you to say the wrong thing.
But how do you know when police go too far?
Generally, coercion involves using tactics used to force you into making a confession that you otherwise would not have made.
Coercive tactics don't have to be as blatant as engaging in torture to get you to admit to a crime. More commonly, investigators may engage in subtle forms of possible coercion that can involve one or more of the following:
Of course, tight handcuffs, rough treatment, and isolation don't always lead to unlawfully coerced confessions. The test is whether your confession was voluntary.
If your statement or confession was not voluntary, a judge may throw out the evidence. Our justice system is based on the fact that criminal defendants have a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty.
Authorities forcing you to say things against your will directly contradicts these tenants.
If you are a victim of police coercion, you should tell your lawyer immediately. Your lawyer can help work on your defense and have any involuntary statements thrown out.
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