If you’ve ever had a run-in with the police, you’ve probably heard these words:
“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice… You have the right to have a lawyer with you during questioning.”
Those immortal words came to the forefront of American law after the 1966 case of Miranda v. Arizona. Since then, police across the country have recited this warning tens of thousands of times per day. Despite this, many still don’t realize the extent of their rights under the law.
Can and Will Be Used Against You
When police say, “Anything you can be used against you in a court of law,” they mean it. Anything you say, whether it’s a complete denial or an admission of guilt, will later be used against you. A prosecutor won’t give up once they charge you, even if there’s very little evidence against you.
Many people make the mistake of trying to argue with the police. They believe that if they say the right things and prove their innocence, the police will pull over and let them out of the car. This never happens. Once you’re arrested, the police will take you in for questioning. What happens next is up to you.
A Lawyer Is Not an Admission of Guilt
Once in a windowless interrogation room, most people forget the Miranda warning altogether. They either forget they can make the questioning stop at any time by simply asking for an attorney, or they falsely believe asking for an attorney is an admission of guilt.
The police know what they’re doing. Their interrogation techniques are designed by psychological experts to pressure answers out of anybody, even those who have done nothing wrong. Asking for an attorney is not an admission of guilt. Rather, it is a legally sound decision supported by two sentences within the Miranda warning.
You don’t have to submit to police questioning alone. If you’re ever facing criminal charges, ask for a lawyer and remain calm. If you’d like an experienced Dayton criminal defense attorney from Rion, Rion & Rion to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (937) 223-9133