When facing drug charges, you may be apprehensive about speaking to the police. After all, you have the right to stay silent. However, sometimes police may say something that leads you to believe that you should tell them what you know – and sometimes that can land you in a lot of legal trouble.

 

One question many people have about dealing with police is if they are allowed to lie in order to elicit a confession from you. Believe it or not, this is a legal territory well-established in Minnesota and the rest of the country.

 

It’s a good idea for average citizens, whether facing drug charges or not, to understand their rights and what tactics the police may use to obtain a confession. Read on to find out what you need to know about the sometimes deceptive tactics the police could use against you legally and what you can do to protect your rights.

 

Understanding Your Rights in Minnesota

 

The question is simple: Are police legally allowed to lie to citizens? The answer, which you may find surprising, is yes. That’s why it’s a good idea for every person to know their rights and assert them when they are pulled over, questioned by police, or arrested.

 

Remember, you do not have to speak to the police or answer any questions they may throw your way beyond identifying yourself. Once you have an attorney present who knows your rights and can help ensure they are protected – that’s when you can start to work with police to answer any questions they may have.

 

Police officers’ common goal is to get you to answer questions and possibly make incriminating statements. They can use these statements against you to justify arrest, charging you with a crime, and ultimately convicting you of it.

 

When the police ask if they can search your property, don’t give them your consent unless they have a warrant. Even if they have a warrant, you can go on record as not giving your consent. This statement may come in handy when specific evidence is presented against you.

 

Remember, you cannot rely on what the police tell you. They do not have the legal obligation to be completely honest with you.

 

 

Police Can Really Lie to You?

 

It is established through cases in federal courts that the police can legally lie to citizens in cases where they have evidence against a person. The reasoning is that, by fibbing to suspects, they will be able to elicit a confession.

 

Police have a reputation in many communities as being honest. Still, average people need to understand that they can falsify details or some circumstances to wrest a confession from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re guilty. If they have reasonable suspicion to believe you are guilty, then their falsehoods won’t be held against them, and your statements will be held against you.

 

What Types of Lies Can Police Tell?

 

Police may use several dishonest tactics to get someone to confess to a drug crime and other types of crimes. Some of the most common ways in which they lie are listed below.

 

• Recording your conversation in video or audio
• Telling you that you failed a pivotal test, such as a drug or lie detector test
• Saying that they have witnesses to your crimes
• Professing that they have your fingerprints or DNA
• Claiming that someone else has confessed and implicated you
• Giving you a warning that you have only one chance to confess

 

 

Understand Your Rights

 

In Minnesota and the United States, you have rights. It’s essential to understand those rights, so you don’t unwittingly implicate yourself in a drug crime that you did not commit.

 

When the police question you, you don’t have to speak to them beyond confirming your identity. You have the right to remain silent and are under no obligation to talk with the police legally until you have an attorney present.

 

Remember that, even in situations where you know you are entirely innocent and have nothing to conceal from the police, you shouldn’t speak to an officer until you have an attorney. Things you may not realize can implicate you in a drug crime  and may be used against you. It is best not to say anything. Always err in the way of caution when dealing with police – and assume they don’t have your best interests in mind.

 

 

About the Author:

 

Christopher Keyser is an AV-Preeminent rated criminal and DWI defense attorney based in Minneapolis who is known for fighting aggressively for his clients and utilizing innovative tactics to get the most positive results. He has been featured in numerous media outlets due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and has been named a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Minnesota Bar Association. Mr. Keyser is Lead Counsel rated, and he has received recognition for his criminal law work from Avvo, Expertise, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more.