False confessions are a significant problem in the criminal justice system. Despite the widespread belief that people only confess to crimes they have committed, research shows that false confessions occur more often than we might think. Today, we will discuss factors contributing to this troubling phenomenon. Please be advised that if you are ever charged with a criminal offense, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to ensure you know your rights and understand the best way to handle the situation.
Four Reasons Why False Confessions Occur
A false confession occurs when an innocent person admits to committing a crime they did not commit. False confessions can happen for various reasons, but research shows that some factors make people vulnerable to making false statements. Some of the reasons that can lead to a false confession include the following:
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Coercive interrogation techniques – Police officers may use aggressive interrogation techniques, such as withholding food, water, sleep, and physical force, to elicit a confession from a suspect. This is not overly common but can happen, and as a result, a false confession may occur.
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