Police officers sometimes have to question people when they’re investigating a crime. It’s critical that you understand your rights if you’re in this position. Anyone who is in police custody and being questioned should be read their Miranda rights, so this is something you should pay attention to.
The Miranda rights are established by the United States Constitution and are required to be read to people before a custodial interview because of a case called Miranda v. Arizona, which went before the United States Supreme Court in 1966.
What are the Miranda rights?
The Miranda rights include the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer. While reading the Miranda rights is compulsory in a custodial interrogation, the rights must be invoked if you want them to apply to you.
How can you invoke your Miranda rights?
In order to invoke your Miranda rights, you have to clearly state that you want to invoke them. Simple statements that are unambiguous are ideal. For example, “I invoke my Miranda rights” or “I want my attorney before I answer questions” are typically effective.
What happens once you invoke your Miranda rights?
You can’t pick and choose what you answer, so once you invoke your Miranda rights, you shouldn’t answer any questions or make any statements. Police officers, including ones who aren’t there when you invoked your rights, must abide by the invocation.
If police continue to pressure you to answer questions, anything you say can potentially be suppressed in the case against you. Working with an experienced legal professional may be beneficial so you can understand your defense strategy options.