Despite the strog recomendation in the reading, I may decide to take a polygraph test in a small misdomenar criminal investagation. 


I fear if I refuse, it will cast a shadow of gulit on my part and probe further investagation by the dectives working on the case? Any thoughts?

Fair Enough. However, I've worked out a deal with the police that would drop any pending investagation assuming that I pass the polygraph. (or atleast marginally pass it)

Furthermore, the proctor won't be some LE flunkie it'll be an idependent 3rd party tester. Selected from a list my lawyer will sumbit.

Armed with the countermeasures on this website, and a large amount of innonce in the matter ... is this still not a smart thing to do?

Can't Say,
Just how strong a case do they think they have, if they're willing to drop it for a passing polygraph? Or perhaps they're hoping you will fail, so they can use that against you. You aren't in a state that admits polygraph evidence in court, are you? If the case is weak, I wouldn't think the D.A.'s office would expend a lot of time and effort on a misdemeanor case, especially if you demanded a jury trial.
I agree with Seeker, and would advise against taking the polygraph.

So the general consensus is despite im innonce even, armed with countermeasures, my safest bet is to avoid the polygraph.

Can't Say,

I agree with Seeker. The very fact that you've been asked to submit to a polygraph interrogation is clear indication that the detectives involved already suspect you. I think it would be wise for you to refuse the polygraph and to not speak with the police in the absence of legal counsel.

Did you receive the guarantee that the investigation would be dropped if you pass the polygraph in writing?

Does this guarantee by the police require you to sign a stipulation agreement whereby you provide advance consent that the polygraph results may be admitted as "evidence" in court?

Unstipulated polygraph results are generally not admissible as evidence in criminal cases. However, the results might be considered in such judicial proceedings as search warrant requests, bail or sentencing hearings, or in any civil litigation that might be brought against you. In addition, if you don't pass, the results could be leaked to the press to tarnish your reputation in your community.

I think it would be best to check with your lawyer regarding the circumstances under which the results of this polygraph examination might be used in judicial proceedings in your state. Bear in mind that any statements made by a suspect during a polygraph examination will generally be admissible, whether or not such is the case with regard to the polygrapher's interpretation of the polygraph charts.

I still believe that it is unwise for anyone suspected of a crime to submit to a polygraph interrogation. However, if you decide to go ahead with it, other reasonable safeguards that I think it would be wise for you to insist on include:

1) that you be provided with a list of the questions to be asked at least a full day in advance so that you may review them with your lawyer;

2) that your lawyer be with you throughout the entire procedure (pre-test, in-test, post-test);

3) that the entire procedure be audio or video recorded and that you be provided with a copy of the recording immediately upon completion of the examination.

???

On to a bigger issue, why is it so black balled to take a polygraph test in a criminal investigation? I mean it seems to me a some-what decent opportunity for exhonrating yourself. Esp, knowing that the primary goal tends to be a confession.

Knowing what I have gone through regarding polygraphs I would NEVER submit to one again if given a choice.   
Let me tell you this can't say;
I never even smoked a cigarrette and my application got dq'ed because the poly said I was deceptive.   

I also agree with the idea that they probably do not have much evidence if they want to go on a fishing expedition called the polygraph.  Its just another way for LE to interrogate you.  Even though they will not administer the exam who do you think will be submitting the questions.  It is a no win situation to take the polygraph.