If I refused a lie detector test after an officer said that he believed I committed a crime, what happens next?
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If I refused a lie detector test after an officer said that he believed I committed a crime, what happens next?
Asked on February 14, 2013 under Criminal Law, Maryland
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The officer is probably telling you this as an interrogation technique because he is not sure. They don't usually offer polygraphs to people they are know are guilty-- they just arrest them. He cannot require you to take the polygraph if you are the defendant-- it is your right to refuse the lie detector test.
As far as what happens next, it will just depend on the investigation and the evidence they have against you. If they don't quite have enough, then the charges will not go forward. If the officer continues to investigate the case and discovers better evidence of your guilt, then you could eventually be charged and arrested for the allegations.
It doesn't sound like you need full blown representation... yet. But to help your situation, consider hiring an attorney just to sit with you next time this officer wants to talk to you. Just to go with you will cost a nominal fee, and is usually a small investment for avoiding making statements that could cause you more serious problems later.
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