When facing the possibility of criminal prosecution or even just an interrogation by police, you should understand your rights.
Many people have heard of their Miranda rights due to police shows, but how many people actually know what their rights allow?
Staying silent in police custody
Miranda Warning discusses what your Miranda rights actually are and how to use them. Miranda rights can help a person in several different ways.
First of all, they preserve your right to remain silent. But what does this actually mean? In short, it allows you to refrain from speaking to the police until you have legal representation. Police cannot force a person into an interrogation or interview if they invoke their Miranda rights.
To that end, some officers may attempt to paint invoking your Miranda rights as a bad move to make. They might try to make it sound like only guilty parties will do this. However, it is a smart move, as even innocent people end up falsely implicating themselves in police interviews all of the time.
Having legal support
Your second right under your Miranda rights is your right to legal counsel. Of course, not everyone can afford an attorney. This is why the state must provide you with one if you invoke your rights.
By having legal representation, you have the backing of someone who knows the law and knows how to converse with law enforcement. This is another step toward preventing you from accidentally self-incriminating while talking to the police.
In short, there are no real downsides to invoking your Miranda rights, and you may want to consider doing so if you face a police interrogation.
