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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
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    8

    Default Should You Confess to the Police

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: WV This is a serious question, so I would appreciate none of the normal sarcasm that some here decide is necessary and feel the need to force upon others looking for advice.

    I am guilty of a crime, I admitted to the victim verbally that I am guilty. The deputy working the case called me to see if I could talk. I didn't say much but I agreed to meet with him a week from today at the station to discuss the details. He said there was no warrant yet, and that if I came in and talked, he would let me leave. He did say there might be charges later, but he would let me leave if I came in and talked. I may have already made a mistake because I told him where I pawned the stuff last year, only because I assumed he already knew, since pawn shops have to keep those records. After I told him, it appeared he did not know, which would have meant maybe they didn't find the records. Hindsight is 20/20.

    I know the cops can lie to get a suspect to admit stuff and I know that is there job. I do not have a lawyer and cannot afford one, so basically I will be going at this on my own until the time when I am arrested and the court decides to give me a PD. I won't be able to afford bail, so I will be in jail and go through the motions to speak with someone with a legal background.

    My question is, I have always heard never speak to the police ever, without an attorney, EVER. I feel that if I am guilty, it is going to end the same no matter what, with me in jail, eventually pleading guilty for a lighter sentence, if possible, and perhaps it will look more favorable if I am cooperative. I guess I am just wondering what I should do. Speak with him next week and spill my guts, or say I want a lawyer.

    Sorry for rambling, but just wanting some advice.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Somewhere near Canada
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    35,894

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    (The "normal" setting on my sarcasm button is broken, sorry. It only works in the "abnormal" mode right now)

    Nobody here can tell you what to do.

    Obviously.

    If it were me though, the very second I was arrested I'd take the PD and work from there.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Behind a Desk
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    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    I don't think anybody here is going to tell you to talk to the police without consulting a lawyer, and if they did... you shouldn't listen.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    My officers interview people and let them leave all the time. But somehow the ones they're gonna press charges on always end up under arrest between the front door and their cars. "Let you leave" is a broad, undefined statement. Just sayin'.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
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    19,901

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    The "You are free to leave at any time" means "we're not obliged to tell you that we're trying to coerce incriminating information out of you."

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Somewhere near Canada
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    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    Quote Quoting flyingron
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    The "You are free to leave at any time" means "we're not obliged to tell you that we're trying to coerce incriminating information out of you."


    ^^^^ this times 10000.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    2,344

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    Quote Quoting Rachel4492
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    My question is, I have always heard never speak to the police ever, without an attorney, EVER. I feel that if I am guilty, it is going to end the same no matter what, with me in jail, eventually pleading guilty for a lighter sentence, if possible, and perhaps it will look more favorable if I am cooperative. I guess I am just wondering what I should do. Speak with him next week and spill my guts, or say I want a lawyer.
    There is nothing whatsoever that you can say to the police that will result in a better outcome for you. Only a worse outcome will result. Your are confused about pleading for a lighter sentence. The police do not control this. They only determine whether the prosecutor has a strong case or a weaker case, based on their investigation of the matter. The stronger their case, the less incentive a prosecutor has to offer you a better deal. A lawyer representing you understands this because s/he does this day in and day out. You are not experienced in these matters. Waiving right to counsel and talking to the police voluntarily will NOT achieve a better outcome for you. If you admit to a crime to the police officer, he will NOT let you leave. You have already harmed yourself by talking to the police. It can only get worse.

    The only words out of your mouth should be, "I have nothing to say."

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Posts
    8

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    Okay, so I really appreciate the advice because I was totally going to go in and fess up and do whatever I could to try and get a lighter sentence. What each of you said made alot of sense. One last question and I promise I will leave you alone :-)

    I am in one state, the crime happened one county over, but that is another state. I dont know if that is why the deputy asked me to come to him or not, but perhaps.

    Should I go in and then tell him I have nothing to say....or should I call him and say I have changed my mind about talking to him and I have nothing to say without a lawyer, but that I cant afford one, so I choose not to speak.

    I would assume his response would be you have nothing to worry about if you did nothing wrong.

    Scenario One, I dont go in and if they want to arrest they would have to come to my state to do it. I dont know if they would need to extradite, since the two counties have a reciprical agreement.

    Scenario Two, I go in, and refuse to talk, and then I am arrested and they keep me there.

    Both end with the same results, except that the longer I can be out and work, the more I have towards paying an attorney of my own choice instead of a PD.

    I am guilty, no doubt and will most likely end up pleading guilty,,,,,but I dont see why I have to make it easier for them, or go any sooner than I have to, especially when I am working and trying to pay bills now, before I go away.

    Any insight?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Should You Confess to the Police

    He likely wants you to come so he can get an additional confession and effect an easy arrest. Otherwise they must file the charge and seek extradition. Seek legal council.

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