If you’ve watched any true crime shows or documentaries, you’ve probably heard police officers telling people that they have the right to remain silent and to consult with their attorney. These are known as the Miranda rights and are a fundamental component of the criminal justice system.
Because there’s never a guarantee that a person won’t be placed in a situation that will result in them being told their Miranda rights, it’s best for everyone to understand these three things about them.
1: These rights help you avoid self-incrimination
Being able to remain silent ensures that you don’t say anything that will incriminate yourself. The Miranda rights also give you the right to speak to your lawyer, who can discuss your side of the matter and provide you with valuable information.
2: You must invoke the rights
You must clearly and unambiguously invoke your Miranda rights. This can mean telling the police officers that you wish to remain silent or that you want to speak to your attorney before being questioned.
3: Invocation is universal
Once you invoke your Miranda rights, questioning must stop and you must remain silent. You can’t pick and choose what to speak to officers about. Officers can’t call in new people to resume questioning.
Anyone who’s facing criminal charges and feels as though their Miranda rights may have been violated should consider the possibility that this may be a part of their defense strategy. Working with someone familiar with this matter may be beneficial if you find yourself in this position.