How can I retract a false statement that I gave to the police?
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How can I retract a false statement that I gave to the police?
I am 15 and called cops over the weekend after a fight with my father. I wanted to live with mother again. I lied and said that he hit me, which he never has. They are now starting to make big trouble for my family and I feel bad. I want to retract. How do I do that without getting in trouble for lying?
Asked on July 19, 2011 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you can retract a false statement you gave law enforcement about an incident. The problem is that potentially you could be charged with making a false statement by the district attorneys office in a juvenile criminal proceeding. Not likely, but still a possibilty even though you are a minor.
If you want to retract the false statement that you made to law enforcement and replace it with the "true" statement of what actually happened, you and your custodial parent should meet with an attorney well experienced in criminal and juvenile law to safeguard your interests so that changing your "story" does not create problems in the future for you.
Based upon the advice of the suggested attorney you consult with and assuming he/she allows you to retract your false statement, you would meet with law enforcement again, most likely with an attorney present to represent you. You then give the "true" version of what happened.
Good luck.
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