If you’ve watched a movie or an episode of a TV show where someone gets arrested, you’ve probably heard the phrase “You have the right to remain silent.” This statement is part of the Miranda rights, a set of rights read to suspects when arrested. If you find yourself arrested, you’re also entitled to these rights.
Silence matters when you get arrested because anything you say to the police can be used against you in a court of law. This means that even if you didn’t commit the crime you’re accused of, you can still end up in jail or prison if you say something that the police can use to prove you’re guilty. It goes much deeper than that, so we’ll discuss the details in this article.
The Miranda Rights
The Miranda rights state: “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 appointed for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”
When you get arrested, these rights can make a big difference in what happens to you. If you talk to the police without an attorney, anything you say can be used against you. This includes anything you say during or after your arrest, but before you’ve read your Miranda rights. You can simply tell the police that you’re invoking your right to remain silent, and they must stop questioning you. However, if you don’t say anything, the police may assume you’re waiving your Miranda rights and continue questioning you.
It’s also worth noting that the Miranda rights only apply to custodial interrogation when you’re in police custody and they’re questioning you about a crime. This doesn’t apply to every situation; for example, if you’re simply being questioned as a witness and not in custody, you don’t have the right to remain silent.
With that in mind, here are some of the most common questions regarding invoking the right to be silent:
“When does an arresting officer declare the Miranda rights?”
An arresting officer will declare the Miranda rights the moment the arrest is made, regardless of location. For example, if you get arrested at home or at your workplace, the rights will be entitled to you.
“How do you exactly invoke the right to remain silent?”
The best way to invoke your right to remain silent is to say, “I’m invoking my right to remain silent. I want an attorney.” You can simply say that you’re invoking your right to remain silent, but it’s also best to say that you’re requesting an attorney. The police may assume you’re waiving your right to remain silent if you don’t say anything.
Alternatively, you can also say any of the following phrases:
- I’m invoking my right against self-incrimination.
- I plead the fifth.
- I refuse to answer because it might incriminate me.
- I refuse to answer on the advice of counsel because it might incriminate me.
“Is there a specific time when I have the right to remain silent?”
You have the right to remain silent anytime, even if you’re not under arrest. You do not have to answer any questions or give any information about yourself, and you may request an attorney. If you say something, it may be used against you in court.
“Can I change my mind if my rights were read to me, but I cooperated with the police?”
Yes, you may change your mind anytime and refuse to answer questions or give information. The same goes for requesting an attorney, even if you have already been cooperating with the police.
Conclusion
The Miranda rights safeguard a person’s Fifth Amendment rights, whether innocent or otherwise. The law is meant to be fair, which is why everyone is entitled to them. If you get arrested, all that matters is knowing your rights to ensure you’re protected.
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