Investigations

Officers can be sneaky during an investigation. They can lie to you about evidence to try to get you to confess to something. For example, they can tell you they have your fingerprints at the crime scene, so you decide to tell them why you were there. This can make you look guilty and can be used as evidence against you! This is why knowing your Miranda Rights and how to use them is so important!

Miranda Rights

The best way to avoid saying something that might be used against you is to invoke your Miranda Rights. Officers are supposed to read you your rights before an interrogation (this is not something they can lie about). If they did not read you your rights, you should speak to your criminal defense attorney about what options you may have.

You might be familiar with the Miranda Rights from TV or Movies. But here is a quick refresher just in case you need it.

• You have a right to remain silent.
• Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
• You have a right to an attorney.
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

I’m being questioned, now what?

The best way to protect your rights is to politely tell the officers you’d like to remain silent. It’s a little tricky but you should speak up about your right to remain silent!

Then let the officers know you want to talk with an attorney before you make a statement or answer any questions.

Once you’ve told the officers these two things, now you remain silent. Don’t talk to anyone about your case, except your criminal defense attorney!

If you’ve been contacted by law enforcement, or believe you are under investigation, you should call to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. They will be able to able to advise you based on the specific circumstances of your case.