Philadelphia, PA asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment for New Jersey

Q: Is a confession valid if my accuser coerced me into making it?

someone accusing me of sexual assault secretly recorded me and coerced me into making a confession for a crime I did not commit. He started screaming and me and threatening to report me to authorities. I feared for my safety so I just told him what he wanted me to say to get him to leave. Is this recording usable against me?

2 Lawyer Answers
H. Scott Aalsberg
H. Scott Aalsberg
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • East Brunswick, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: The answer depends on many factors, but yes it may be able to be used against you. I suggest that you speak with a lawyer as we don't know all the details of your confession or case to properly advise you.

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
Answered
  • Domestic Violence Lawyer
  • Short Hills, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Sounds like you need to sit down with a criminal law attorney immediately to discuss the totality of the circumstances presented. This is a setting where you need guidance from an experienced criminal law attorney to determine what path is best for you instead of simply waiting for criminal charges to be brought against you and you are then in a defensive position with less options available. If you have text messages, emails, etc relevant to the history of your relationship with this person bring that material with you to your consultation as well.

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