I recently enjoyed the First Season of “True Detective” on HBO.  Matthew McConaughey’s character, a particularly brooding Louisiana detective, among other things, has a reputation for gaining confessions.  “Rust” Cohle’s” theory is that you, “Just gotta look a man in his eyes. It’s all there.”

Detective Cohle obtains a confession from a Mother, who killed her babies and blamed it on SIDs, which Cohle identifies as  Munchausen syndrome  by proxy.  For those who haven’t seen the episode, I won’t tell you the whole story, but for our purposes here, Detective Cohle’s interrogation technique in the scene is an amplified version of something that happens regularly in the course of investigations.

Law enforcement officers have a difficult job.  Keeping the peace, establishing, finding and arresting suspects of crime, in my estimation, requires a great deal of effort, both mental and physical.  If a detective can then gain a confession from the suspect, it is economically to the advantage of the citizens of Mobile County.  With a confession and a plea based on that confession, there’s no trial, no lengthly stay in the County Jail.  It’s off to State Prison once the paperwork is complete.

If you find yourself on the wrong side of that conversation, our United States’ Constitution allows you to remain silent.  You can’t be forced to tell on yourself here.  Often times, without a confession, there isn’t sufficient evidence to go to trial.  With some patience, and an attorney, keeping your mouth shut may keep you from the Big House.  I know your story sounds really good to you when you play in in your head.  Resist the temptation to go at it alone against the professionals.  Look them straight in the eyes and ask for an attorney.

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