Michigan bill seeks to safeguard minors' rights by banning ‘lying tactics’ in police interrogations

LANSING, Mich. – A bill introduced in the Michigan House aims to prevent law enforcement officers from lying to minors during interrogations.

Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City) introduced HB 4174 on Thursday (March 6).

“Young people are especially vulnerable to providing false confessions as a result of certain tactics used by law enforcement officers.”

Unfortunately, some officers convince young people of something that is not true to get them to say things that didn’t happen.

We want to make sure that doesn’t happen, and that justice is served only when it is accurate.”

Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City)

This bill would make any self-incriminating response by a minor obtained through deception tactics or lying inadmissible as evidence in court.

Wegela said stories of wrongfully convicted minors, like Davontae Sanford, inspired him to create the bill.

The bill has the support of several criminal justice organizations including the ACLU of Michigan.

“We have gotten some pushback from different police organizations saying this is a necessary tactic,” Wegela said. “However, we’re working with them and we’re trying to get their support.”