What About Polygraphs?

Polygraphs are generally not admissible in court. Yet police, prosecutors, and top-notch defense lawyers still rely on them heavily. Why? Even though the results may not be admissible, a passing test can have a critical psychological impact on whether a case gets prosecuted.

A word of caution: While the results are usually not admissible, your statements to the polygrapher are admissible. Police sometimes use this tactic as a back-door method to interrogate you. Some government polygraphers insist on interrogating you if they judge you to be "deceptive." Thus, if you are ever asked to submit to a government polygraph, politely decline and immediately ask to speak with your lawyer.

Mr. Angles retains a qualified private polygrapher for use in certain cases. Using the results, Mr. Angles has effectively ended the investigation of several very serious allegations, achieved dismissals, or obtained favorable plea bargains.

With a privately-administered test, the results are protected as attorney work-product. A "deceptive" test result will never be revealed, but a "truthful" result can go a long way for the defense.

Ways a polygraph result can impact a case:

• Defendant statement verification
• Witness statement verification
• Raise doubt in the mind of a detective/agent
• Raise doubt in the mind of a prosecutor
• Pre-trial plea bargaining
• Post-conviction sentencing
• Terms and conditions of probation
• Sex offender treatment programs
• Ease the decision to go to trial