Police officer getting out of cruiser

Can the Police Legally Lie to You?

By Jose Ceja
Managing Attorney

For many people, the police represent the pillars of any peaceful community. That’s why many people assume that a police officer must always tell the truth when asked a question. However, this assumption isn’t correct. In fact, Texas police officers may disguise their identities when they are investigating a potential crime. Aside from their identities, there are some other falsehoods that cops can share. Although there are exceptions to what a police officer can tell untruths about, there is a wide range of topics for which they are legally allowed to provide misleading information. 

Your Legal Rights

If you are under arrest, before any police officer is allowed to interrogate, they must share with you your legal rights, also known as Miranda rights. You have probably heard of your Miranda rights if you have ever watched any legal shows. These rights include the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney. If a police officer performs a custodial interrogation without first advising you of your rights, you may be able to suppress any information obtained after that point in time in the interrogation. 

However, it’s also important to understand that while officers must tell you about your legal rights, they do not have to be truthful when it comes to discussing evidence. A police officer may lie to you regarding the evidence he or she has on you. This is a tactic used in order to try to obtain a confession from you. For this reason, it’s generally in your best interest to invoke your rights and demand an attorney before answering any questions.

The Existence of Witnesses and Surveillance

Another thing that police officers can lie about is witnesses. They may tell you that they have witnessed or even surveillance video of the alleged crime – even if they do not. Again, this is done for the purpose of eliciting a confession from you. Unfortunately, sometimes this may even cause someone to confess to a crime that they did not commit because they are so stressed and scared. 

It’s understandable to feel as though police officers have an unfair advantage when it comes to investigating and interrogating suspects. Again, that’s why it’s usually in your best interest to invoke your rights and request an attorney who can help you to navigate the whole process. 

The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Charged with a Crime

When you have been charged with a crime it can be a very scary and overwhelming time. You may have no idea as to how you should proceed or what you should do. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Houston criminal defense attorney who will fight for you to mitigate or eliminate the charges against you. 

At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the serious nature of a criminal charge. That’s why we will work to help you obtain the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

About the Author
Jose Ceja is the managing attorney of Ceja Law Firm. He has practiced law since 2007 and has devoted his career to the practice of criminal law. Mr. Ceja began his legal career as a felony drug prosecutor, where he prosecuted drug, gang, and violent offenses. Mr. Ceja has first or second chaired almost 100 trials, including murders, drug cases, DWIs, and assaults. In his career as a defense attorney, he has regularly obtained dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and grand jury “no bills” in a wide variety of cases.