How to Confess a Crime
According to the law, a confession is defined as a voluntarily admission of wrongdoing. Some individuals feel the need to confess to unload guilty feelings. Confessing to a crime isn't as simple as merely opening your mouth and speaking or signing a document. There are several steps you should take to validate the confession and protect your rights.
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Instructions
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Tell your lawyer. To properly prepare your defense your lawyer may need you to confess your part in the crime. An attorney can arrange a meeting with law enforcement and attend the meeting with you to ensure your rights are protected.
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Speak with a law enforcement official. Let the officer know that you have information you want to share. Take a lawyer if possible. After being read your Miranda rights which give you the right to remain silent, police must require you to waive your rights if a lawyer is not present.
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Discuss it with a psychologist. Confessing your guilt to a therapist offers a safe place to talk about the crime since all conversations are confidential. It also lets you discuss your feelings and explain why you committed the crime.
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Write out what happened in a blog or other online venue. "Daily Confessions" is a website that allows individuals to make confessions anonymously. A confession written online could possibly be traced back to you.
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Speak with your religious leader. Speak honestly about what you did and express your remorse. Let the leader guide your next action.
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Tips & Warnings
A confession given to a Catholic priest is covered under "The Seal of Confession." The priest cannot tell your confession to law enforcement or testify against you.
Confessions given before or after being interrogated or taken into custody may not require the reading of Miranda Rights.
Confession to a crime won't necessarily bring you any leniency with the prosecution or reduce your jail time. Because a confession is positive "proof," you may be pursued more zealously.
Most communication with your attorney is covered under attorney-client privilege and your attorney cannot tell this information to anyone. Exceptions involve a request for advice or assistance in committing another crime or fraud.
