Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

police promises

i would like to know is it the same when the states attorney

make a deal ith a suspect, or when the state police make a promise to a suspect, that they will not be arrested for a statement, and what happens if it is proven this suspect lied? do the police have that kind of power?


Asked on 1/10/04, 9:25 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard S. Stolker Uptown Law, LLC

Re: police promises

An individual who gives false information to a law enforcement officer can be charged with obstructing justice. If the police make a deal based on information given by a suspect, but it turns out the information is untrue, the police are not bound by the deal.

Richard S. Stolker

Attorney, Uptown Law LLC

301-294-9500

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Answered on 1/11/04, 6:36 pm
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: police promises

Any deal with the police needs to be entered properly. Be aware that case law supports

the police using trickery to obtain information to pursue investigation of a crime. Such evidence

is not necessarily considered fruit of the poisonous tree. A marked distinction applies where a deal is made with the

States Attorney since this may be considered a plea bargain depending upon when such occurs in the process.

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Answered on 1/14/04, 9:06 am


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