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Posted by orolan
- Apr 09, 2003, 12:03 PMpsu123,
I agree 110% with George. Refuse the test and get a lawyer ASAP. And don't let your lawyer talk you into taking the test. As George said, the prosecutor wouldn't ask you to take it unless he needs it to shore up his case.
I agree 110% with George. Refuse the test and get a lawyer ASAP. And don't let your lawyer talk you into taking the test. As George said, the prosecutor wouldn't ask you to take it unless he needs it to shore up his case.
Posted by George W. Maschke
- Apr 09, 2003, 03:52 AMpsu123,
I strongly suggest that you not take the "test" and that you instead get a lawyer and not speak with police or prosecutors without legal counsel present. The on-line Martindale lawyer locator service may be helpful in finding a defense lawyer in your vicinity:
http://www.martindale.com
That the prosecutor would offer to drop charges if you "pass" a pseudocientific polygraph "test" is a good indication that the case against you is weak. Sometimes, such offers to drop charges are made contingent upon the suspect signing an agreement stipulating in advance that the results of the "test" will be admissible as evidence in court. If the suspect "fails," this may enable the prosecutor to win an otherwise shaky case. Conversely, if the suspect "passes," the prosecutor loses nothing (and perhaps gains political cover for the decision to drop charges).
It would be foolhardy for you to sign any such stipulation agreement, or to submit to a polygraph interrogation. Polygraphy is sheer pseudoscience, and telling the truth is no guarantee that you will pass. As used by police, polygraph "testing" is often little more than a pretext for luring a suspect into a hostile interrogation in the absence of legal counsel.
If you haven't already done so, download The Lie Behind the Lie Detector and see especially chapters 1 and 3.
With regard to the effects of anti-anxiety (or any other) medication on polygraphy, there is virtually no meaningful research on this subject.
I strongly suggest that you not take the "test" and that you instead get a lawyer and not speak with police or prosecutors without legal counsel present. The on-line Martindale lawyer locator service may be helpful in finding a defense lawyer in your vicinity:
http://www.martindale.com
That the prosecutor would offer to drop charges if you "pass" a pseudocientific polygraph "test" is a good indication that the case against you is weak. Sometimes, such offers to drop charges are made contingent upon the suspect signing an agreement stipulating in advance that the results of the "test" will be admissible as evidence in court. If the suspect "fails," this may enable the prosecutor to win an otherwise shaky case. Conversely, if the suspect "passes," the prosecutor loses nothing (and perhaps gains political cover for the decision to drop charges).
It would be foolhardy for you to sign any such stipulation agreement, or to submit to a polygraph interrogation. Polygraphy is sheer pseudoscience, and telling the truth is no guarantee that you will pass. As used by police, polygraph "testing" is often little more than a pretext for luring a suspect into a hostile interrogation in the absence of legal counsel.
If you haven't already done so, download The Lie Behind the Lie Detector and see especially chapters 1 and 3.
With regard to the effects of anti-anxiety (or any other) medication on polygraphy, there is virtually no meaningful research on this subject.
Posted by psu123
- Apr 09, 2003, 12:43 AMI have been asked to take a polygraph test concering a legal matter. If I "pass" the test the charges will be dropped, if I "fail" the test I will be charged. I am very concerned because the detective asked me if I had an Anxiety Disorder, which I do, and then he asked if I could not take my medication before the test. Does anyone know first if I should get a lawyer and not take the test, and second how could a polygraph be fooled - since it is claimed to be accurate - by anti-anxiety medication.
Freaked in PA
Freaked in PA