NCJ Number
116423
Date Published
1989
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This manual discusses how plea bargaining and polygraph testing can be coordinated to facilitate investigations leading to asset forfeitures.
Abstract
The investigator's role in plea bargaining is discussed, and the use of the polygraph in uncovering hidden assets is outlined. The author points out the importance of properly wording a plea bargain agreement. Before an asset-oriented polygraph test can be administered, the investigators must give the polygraph examiner a detailed account of the defendant's asset situation. Sometimes a financial affidavit is used to formulate questions for the polygraph examination. Once the plea bargain has been reached, the defendant takes a polygraph test. Often the polygraph test reveals evidence regarding other defendants, drug operations, or assets derived from those operations by other defendants. Together, the plea bargain and a subsequent polygraph test enable prosecutors to obtain evidence on drug profits and assets that probably would not be obtained otherwise. Attachments contain sample plea bargain agreements, financial affidavits, tax information release statements, polygraph examination consents, and polygraph questionnaires. 32 footnotes.