No matter which legal drama you’ve watched, chances are you’ve run across a scene where a detective lies to a suspect during an interrogation. The suspect eventually confesses to a crime. But just how true is that scenario? Can the police lie to you while investigating? The answer is yes, but only in certain circumstances. […]
Arrested by the Philadelphia Police? Here’s What to Know
Legal information is available online and accessible to the public on what to know about getting arrested by the Philadelphia police. You can learn about the process and potential outcomes and read statutes. However, this information cannot substitute individualized legal advice from a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer since the law applies differently to every case. […]
What Is a Mere Encounter?
A mere encounter with a police officer is not considered to be a police stop under the law. Police sometimes talk to people on the street without formally commanding them to stop to try to get information. Police are generally looking for more information about a crime when they do this. Mere encounters do not […]
What to Do If the Police Want to Question You
There are several ways to respond if the police want to question you. However, you should exercise your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights under the US Constitution by remaining silent and tell them you want an attorney. This response will protect your legal rights and possibly undermine investigatory efforts if the police want to interview […]
Can the Philadelphia Police Lie to You?
Yes, the Philadelphia police can lie to you in some situations. A United States Supreme Court ruling in Frazier v. Cupp allowed police to use deception when getting a confession as long as they don’t commit entrapment. Entrapment is when police induce or encourage the commission of a crime to obtain evidence of that crime […]