The police have a wide range of tools at their disposal for pursuing an arrest. In major cases, they often rely on the use of polygraph examinations in an effort to elicit a confession. Also known as a lie detector test, the use of these examinations is controversial given the high chances of false positives.
If you are under suspicion of a crime, you should never agree to a polygraph examination without first speaking to an attorney. In many cases, agreeing to these tests will only work against you. These examinations are unscientific, to the point that their results cannot be used at trial.
That said, there can be times when agreeing to a polygraph examination might be in your best interest. The best way to determine if this approach is a good idea is by relying on the guidance of your attorney. Attorney David G. Moore could advise you on how best to proceed.
Can Polygraph Exam Results be Used in Court?
The results of a polygraph examination can never be used at trial. This is because the courts have found that these test results are not accurate enough to be relied on by a judge or jury.
Should I Agree to Take a Polygraph Test?
Most of the time, it is not in your best interest to agree to a polygraph test examination. However, there are limited circumstances where it might benefit you to comply with the police. Before you agree to a test, it is always important to speak with an attorney.
How Long is a Polygraph Test?
The length of a polygraph test can vary depending on the questions asked. While some of these examinations are short, many tests last up to four hours. An attorney could help you understand how long the process might take in your case.
Can I Speak to a Lawyer Before a Polygraph Test in Grand Rapids?
You are under no obligation to take a polygraph test. The police can never force you to take the examination, which means you have the right to refuse until you have the chance to speak with a lawyer. Whether or not the police are willing to examine you after speaking to an attorney is up to them.
Will Being Nervous Impact Test Results?
Polygraph examiners are expected to take into account a degree of nervousness in any lie detector exam. However, no two people respond to a polygraph in the same way. This uncertainty is part of the reason why these results are not allowed in court.
Can Police Lie About the Results?
The police are allowed to use deception in many circumstances during the course of an investigation. One of the ways they can do this is by lying about what your lie detector tests reflect.
You can contact us through our website or call our office at (269) 808-8007 to schedule a free initial consultation.
5833 Oakland Drive, Ste 2
Portage, MI 49024
1550 East Beltline SE
Suite 275
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
© 2025 David G. Moore, Attorney at Law • All Rights Reserved
Criminal Defense Attorney Marketing by Gorilla
