Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

False confessions are an unfortunate byproduct of the criminal investigation process. They are often elicited as a result of the intense interrogation techniques employed by law enforcement. Suspects, under incredible psychological stress, will admit to almost anything in order to get themselves out of an interrogation room.

The coercive and intense nature of the interrogation process can lead many innocent suspects to convince themselves that they had something to do with the crime. After hours of suggestion by well-trained investigators, a number of psychological phenomenon may occur, causing a suspect to become convinced that they committed a crime that they had nothing to do with. Perhaps more frequently, suspects feel they have no other source of relief than to provide the investigator with what they want—a confession. False confessions may also be provided voluntarily. This is often the case when a suspect confesses to a crime in order to protect another person, perhaps a family member or close associate.

False confessions are dangerous in a number of ways. First, confessions are perhaps the most important piece of evidence that is presented to a jury in a Tennessee Criminal Case. Juries place extraordinary weight on a confession, even when the physical evidence provides it no support. Thus, a suspect who provides a false confession faces a serous possibility of conviction. Second, as interrogations are not always taped, it can be very difficult for a suspect to later recant a false confession. There may be little to no evidence of the interrogation methods used by the investigators, making a suspect’s account of the interrogation vulnerable to skepticism. Third, false confessions prevent the true execution of justice. When a false confession leads to a conviction, it means that an innocent person is convicted of the crime while the true perpetrator remains free. As such, the goal of criminal law is never actually achieved.

If you’ve found yourself in the difficult situation of being charged with a crime, a skilled Tennessee criminal defense lawyer at our office in Knoxville or Sevierville can help. Our attorneys have the knowledge and fortitude to effectively represent you. Whether you’ve been charged with a drug offense or a DUI in Knoxville, you can rest assured that every effort will be made to defend and protect your rights.