Forced Texas Confessions and Your Rights
When a crime takes place, it is possible a law enforcement officer will interrogate an individual. The stated goal is to access the truth. This is often the case, but sometimes there is a push to force a person to confess. For a variety of reasons this unfortunately happens, either because an officer believes someone to be guilty or there are time constraints that cause a law officer to act inappropriately.
Forced confessions do happen, in Texas and throughout the country. If you or someone you care about was forced to confess or experienced other forms of coercion, you need a seasoned attorney fighting for your rights. Talk to a Houston criminal lawyer can assess your situation.
False Information Can Be Part of Coercion Tactics
Using force to obtain a confession is illegal. Because the legality of physical violence is clear, other tactics may be used to coerce an individual. So, a person may be led to believe that giving a false confession is the best thing they can do for the situation they are in. Sometimes there are even false promises and idle threats given by people in positions of power. This can be done in the following ways.
- Questions are asked in a manner that is leading.
- Evidence gathered is lied about.
- Long conversations lead to a person being exhausted and not thinking clearly.
- Unreliable tests are administered or threatened.
Individuals with mental health issues and minors are often victims of these types of tactics, but these psychological tactics could be used on anyone.
Promises of a Lesser Charges
There are times when a police officer will suggest that a lesser charge may be possible if a person confesses. In truth, they likely do not have the authority to legally make that change. A Houston criminal lawyer is needed to effectively protect a person’s rights when they are charged with a crime.
It can be complicated to prove a confession was coerced but it is not impossible. When witnesses are available to provide a different view, for example, it can be helpful. If there is no evidence to support the coerced confession, there may be a legal path to prove the admission of a crime was forced.
Attorneys with years of experience know how to navigate the legal system. Discussing your situation with a seasoned lawyer could be a way to have criminal charges reduced. There are even opportunities to establish a person’s innocence when they are not guilty of a charge. When you work with a lawyer, they are able to analyze any evidence that has been gathered, file motions when appropriate, and negotiate with other parties when needed.
Were you forced to confess to a crime you did not commit? Our experienced legal team can defend you against criminal charges. We have the knowledge to protect you whether the alleged crime was minor or serious. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.
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