Understanding the Legal Protocols for Arrests
In modern television and film, the recitation of Miranda rights is a climactic plot point, showing a criminal being brought to justice – or set free in the event that the defendant was never informed of their rights. Unfortunately, we can’t always believe everything Hollywood teaches us. While failure to “Mirandize” a suspect does impact the case, an individual cannot be released simply because they were not given a Miranda warning.
What Are My Miranda Rights?
Miranda rights protect criminal suspects by requiring law enforcement to remind them of their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights before any interrogation. This requires the interrogating officer to convey to the accused that:
- They have the right to an attorney
- Anything they say can be used against them in court
- They have the right to an attorney during any questioning
- A lawyer will be provided for them if they are unable to afford one on their own
When Do Miranda Rights Have to be Read?
If an individual is taken into custody, they must be read their Miranda rights before any questioning. Without reciting these rights, the answers generally cannot be used as evidence in court. However, officers aren't required to read Miranda rights before an arrest, so law enforcement can ask questions and use responses as incriminating evidence.
What Happens When an Officer Fails to Provide a Miranda Warning
A common misconception is that, if a police officer doesn’t read a suspect their rights, their case is dismissed. While this is untrue, failure to read one’s rights does have an effect on the case. Without a proper Miranda warning, any responses to the ensuing interrogation will generally be ruled inadmissible in court.
For more information about your rights, and help defending them, contact Hester Law Group.