July 5, 2024 | Criminal Law
“You have the right to remain silent.”
You’ve probably heard these words if you’ve ever watched crime shows or movies. But what do they really mean? What right does silence protect? Should you remain silent or try to defend yourself to the arresting officer to avoid going to jail?
This blog post will fill you in on what your Miranda rights are and why they’re important.
What Are Miranda Rights?
Miranda rights and the associated ‘Miranda warning’ are derived from a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case called Miranda v. Arizona. It allows a suspect to invoke his or her privileges under two amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Specifically, the Miranda warning consists of five parts:
- You have the right to remain silent
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law
- You have the right to an attorney
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you
- Make sure you understand these rights as they have been read to you
These rights become applicable once you are in the custody of the police.
How Do Miranda Rights Protect Me?
Once you invoke your Miranda rights, the police must stop questioning you immediately and respect your right to remain silent until you have a lawyer present. These rights are in place, in part, to protect you from making statements that could hurt your case.
They also ensure that you are represented by a defense lawyer throughout your case. If you’ve been accused of a crime, this isn’t the time to try and defend yourself. The police and prosecution already believe you’re guilty, and you almost certainly won’t be able to “talk your way out of” your charges.
Instead, it’s best to utilize your Miranda rights and allow your attorney to handle communications with the police and prosecution.
Should I Ever Waive My Miranda Rights?
In a word, no. Invoking your Miranda rights could make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal for your charges. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you at every stage of your case and will work to achieve a favorable outcome for you.
By invoking your Miranda rights, you help your case and give your attorney the opportunity to craft an effective defense on your behalf.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation
Miranda rights offer those accused of crimes substantial legal protections. If you’ve been arrested for a crime, understanding and asserting these rights could have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.
Instead of responding to police questioning, invoke your right to remain silent and contact a criminal defense lawyer for assistance.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
United States
