Hey guys this is unfortunately my first post primarily because I just found out about my polygraph test on friday. My situation is a little more drastic than most in the fact that this polygraph could mean that I do not get indicted on charges for something I did not do to begin with. My lawyer actually is the one who set up the polygraph so he can take it to the u.s. prosecutor as proof of my innocence. My problem is this. I have never been involved with anything like this and Im afraid that my nerves will get the best of me forcing some readings that are not at all accurate. With such short notice its hard for me to weed through all the great info you have here. I was wondering if there is any last minute advice that you would give a very nervous newcomer to the world of polygraph. I Dont like putting my future in the hands of a test that is laughably inaccurate but if I dont do so "I will be indicted" as my lawyer has said.  Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

I assume that this polygraph is not a "stipulated" one, that is, you're not agreeing beforehand that it can be admitted as evidence in court, that it is covered by attorney-client privilege, and that if you "fail," the prosecutor will never see or hear about the results, right? If that's the case, then the polygraph might be a worthwhile legal gambit, and I would defer to your lawyer's judgment.

But you should be aware that polygraphy is junk science. I suggest you download The Lie Behind the Lie Detector and read through Chapters 1 and 3, which deal with polygraph validity and procedure, respectively. If, after careful consideration, you decide to go through with the "test," the information in Chapter 4 (on polygraph countermeasures) may help you avoid a false positive outcome.