When dealing with the possibility of an interrogation with the police, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and scared.
This is why it is important to understand the Miranda rights, their use and the application in these situations.
What Miranda rights protect
Miranda Warning discusses what the Miranda rights actually do. They protect two primary rights: a person’s right to remain silent, and their right to legal counsel.
In short, this means that a person can invoke their Miranda rights and it will allow them to tap out of engaging in an interrogation with the police. On top of that, it also guarantees them access to an attorney. If they cannot afford one, then the state will provide one.
Why are these important rights?
Why is this important? Because even innocent people can – and have – said self-incriminating things that get them into trouble.
It is easy during police interrogations to say things with the hope of getting out of the interrogation faster. Many people do not know the proper ways to interact with police officers in these settings.
Many do not even know that they must actually stay silent after invoking their Miranda rights. This is not a free pass to say whatever comes to mind. Anything that a person says even after invoking their Miranda rights may still end up used against them in court.
By understanding the extent of protections offered by the Miranda rights and knowing why it is important to rely on them, a person can more easily face the possibility of police interrogation.