Do not confess to any crime without a lawyer!

Why You Should Never Confess Without a Lawyer: A Real Case from Orange County

In a shocking example of how fast things can go wrong in the criminal justice system, Orange County deputies recently arrested the wrong man for murder — and it took weeks before the truth came out. What finally exposed the real killer? His own confession.

But here’s the catch: he confessed without a lawyer. And now he’s likely facing life in prison with no room to negotiate.

This case proves what criminal defense attorneys have been saying for years:

Never confess without a lawyer — even if you’re guilty.

Arrested the Wrong Man: How a Confession Changed Everything

According to WFTV 9, police initially arrested Yesnin Bonilla-Iscoa for the fatal stabbing of Maris De Los Angeles Paulino. He was charged and jailed — even though he said he was asleep when the crime occurred.

But weeks later, Luis Alfredo Narvaez, Bonilla-Iscoa’s roommate, walked into the sheriff’s office and confessed. Narvaez told detectives he killed Paulino after meeting her to buy drugs. His confession led investigators to conduct forensic testing, which revealed his DNA in several parts of the victim’s car. Bonilla-Iscoa was released, and Narvaez was charged with first-degree murder.

The Lesson? Never Confess Without a Lawyer

At Fighter Law, we help people in Orlando and across Central Florida who are under investigation or already charged. One of the most important rules we teach is this:

Do not talk to the police. Do not try to explain yourself. Do not confess. Not until your lawyer is by your side.

Why? Because when you confess without a lawyer:

• You give away all your leverage before you even know what evidence they have.
• You may unintentionally admit to things you didn’t do or say something that sounds incriminating.
• You close the door on plea bargaining opportunities that could reduce your charges or sentence.

Why You Should Never Confess Without a Lawyer – Even If You’re Guilty

Some people believe confessing quickly will earn them favor with the police or judge. But in reality, the opposite is true.

⚖️ You Lose Legal Leverage

Once Narvaez confessed, prosecutors didn’t need to build a strong case — he handed it to them. Had he stayed silent and hired an experienced criminal defense attorney, his lawyer might have negotiated a better deal before giving any statement.

DNA, Not Words, Closed the Case

Narvaez’s confession didn’t solve the case — the DNA evidence did. If he had kept quiet and waited for a lawyer, that confession could have been used more strategically in court. Instead, he’s now left hoping for mercy from a judge. Learn more about your constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement.

Your Words Can Be Used Against You — Always

Police are trained to extract confessions and admissions. Even if you’re just trying to “clear things up,” your words can and will be used to build a case against you. Once you talk, you can’t take it back.

What to Do Instead: Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately

If police are asking questions, assume you are a suspect — even if they say otherwise. Your first move should be to call a lawyer.

At Fighter Law, our team includes former prosecutors who know how the system works — and how to protect your rights at every stage. Whether you’re being questioned, investigated, or charged with a felony, we’re here to help.

We also handle cases involving wrongful arrest and civil rights violations, because we’ve seen what happens when law enforcement gets it wrong.

Final Word: Never Confess Without a Lawyer

The tragic truth of this case is that an innocent man was arrested, and the man who actually committed the murder is now looking at life in prison because he spoke too soon.

If Narvaez had waited for counsel, things could have played out very differently.

Don’t make the same mistake.
If you or a loved one are being questioned by law enforcement, contact us immediately at (407) 344-4837 or schedule a consultation online. Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for you — and protect your future.

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