Are law enforcement officers allowed to lie to you?

Are law enforcement officers allowed to lie to you?

Sadly, yes. Federal law and most state laws make it clear that law enforcement officers are allowed to lie and use false claims during interrogations to try and get a confession. This practice is allowed despite the knowledge that false confessions are a leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United States. What does that mean for you? It means that you should never answer questions asked by law enforcement without a lawyer present. There is no doubt that law enforcement techniques are psychologically coercive and that what you say during questioning can never be unsaid. While law enforcement officers are allowed to lie to you, it is a crime to lie to law enforcement. But, it is not a crime to remain silent, refuse to answer questions, and ask for a lawyer. It is entirely normal to want to explain or defend yourself when being questioned by law enforcement, however, it is not the best option. If you or a loved one are under investigation or charged with a crime, it is imperative to consult with a lawyer before talking to law enforcement and answering questions.