Even if you don’t know them by their legal term, you know that the following sentences grant you some very important rights during an arrest: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney, and if you can’t afford one, an attorney will be appointed to you.”
These are your Miranda rights, and they describe exactly what you are entitled to when the police arrest you and bring you in to their custody. The legal term “Miranda rights” refers to a landmark Supreme Court case in 1966, Miranda v. Arizona, the ensured suspects of crimes were aware of their rights.
These rights may not seem very significant on the surface, but they are absolutely crucial when you are being arrested. The first part of your Miranda rights allows you to remain silent when the police are questioning you. You don’t have to answer them until your lawyer arrives.
Additionally, these rights inform you that you should remain calm and respectful during the arrest — otherwise your actions or what you say could be utilized by the prosecution in a court of law. Last but not least, it guarantees you the right to an attorney, which is a crucial part to the criminal defense process.
If you are accused of a crime, the police have to inform you of your rights, otherwise the whole case could collapse. Uphold and utilize your rights when interacting with the police.
