Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

When the innocent confess

I am a registered nurse who reviews medical records for attorneys. Recently, I reviewed a record where an innocent person confessed to a crime of child abuse. The boy, who was not too bright, was convinced by the police that he did, in fact, commit the crime of which he was accused. The medical records indicate that he was innocent. I was told by the attorney that this would be difficult to set right because he confessed; that it would have been easier had he been convicted. Why is this so?


Asked on 7/20/03, 11:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steve LeBlanc Steve LeBlanc, Ltd., (APLC)

Re: When the innocent confess

Unfortunately this happens far more times than people realize. Police engage in the conduct you describe frequently, as it "solves the case" and saves them work looking for the real perpetrator. Oftentimes, individuals have committed other offenses and are pressured to deal for the least possible sentence and will do what's called a "best interest plea" in which they do not admit to the crime, but cut a deal pleading guilty. Also, in some high profle crimes, individuals who couldn't possibly have committed the crime come forward and confess. To the extent, in this case, what you have found is not confidential, I recommend you contact the boy's attorney, the DA's office and the judge who presided over the case and inform them of what you know.

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Answered on 7/20/03, 2:31 pm


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