An innocent defendant may make a false confession due to mental impairment, disability, or instability, intoxication or drug use, fear of violence, actual violence, threat of a long prison sentence, ignorance of the law, and misunderstanding.

What is the Most Common Reason For a False Confession

Researchers who study this phenomenon have determined that the following factors contribute to or cause false confessions: Real or perceived intimidation of the suspect by law enforcement. Use of force by law enforcement during the interrogation, or perceived threat of force.