A false confession is an acknowledgment of guilt for a criminal offense that was not committed by the accused. Although it may seem paradoxical, such admissions can be given freely, for example to protect someone else, or via coercive interrogation tactics.

False confessions are distinct from forced confessions, which are obtained via the use of cruelty or the fear of bodily harm. Here’s what you should know about false confessions, what to do if the police coerced you, and how a Brooklyn criminal defense attorney can help.

Types of False Confessions

False confessions can be classified into three categories under criminal law: voluntary false confessions, cooperative false confessions, and coerced false confessions. A psychological illness that distorts a suspect’s perception of reality is the most common cause of voluntary false confessions.

When a person admits to a crime because they want to terminate a stressful or unpleasant questioning, this is known as a cooperative false confession. When the police cause an accused individual to mistrust their own recollection, a persuaded or coerced false confession occurs. Even if they have no remembrance of the crime, they come to assume they were involved.

Why Would Someone Admit to a Crime They Didn’t Commit?

There are multiple motivations for confessing to a crime a person didn’t commit. For example, someone may be trying to take the heat for the individual who actually was involved in the offense. Or, the police may have led them to believe that if they confessed, their punishment would be less severe. In cases of suspects who are mentally ill, they may believe they will become famous if they admit to committing the crime.

How a Brooklyn Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

A Brooklyn criminal defense lawyer can help you by preventing the police from coercing your confession or using harsh interrogation tactics if hired early enough during the criminal defense process. They can also introduce evidence that the police forced or otherwise convinced you to make a confession, or that you have a mental condition that prevents you from fully understanding reality. An attorney truly is your best asset when facing criminal prosecution.

Contact New York criminal defense lawyer Scott Cerbin today for a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case by calling 718-596-1829. Our legal team is available now to provide you with the compassionate and aggressive assistance needed to protect your rights under the law.