Everyone has heard these words at some point – usually on television:
- 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 have an attorney present before or during questioning.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one can be appointed to you at no cost to you.
The purpose of “Miranda Rights” is to let you know that you do not have to talk to police, and you should NOT talk to police without a lawyer. STAY SILENT AND ASK FOR A LAWYER! Here’s why:
- If police have enough evidence to arrest you – they will – no matter what you tell them. It is highly unlikely you can “talk your way out of being arrested.”
- Remaining silent is your Constitutional Right and the fact that you asked for a lawyer cannot be used against you at trial. On the other hand, if you talk to the police without a lawyer, then anything you say can and will be used against you.
- You can always get your “side of the story out” through a lawyer, who knows what to disclose and when it should be disclosed.