Most Americans are familiar with Miranda rights. These are the rights police officers are supposed to inform suspects of after they are taken into custody but before they are questioned. While most police officers do give the Miranda warning to suspects who are arrested, you may not be aware that you also have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself even if you have not been arrested. By invoking your right to a criminal lawyer in Cambridge, MD, you can learn how to properly remain silent.
In 2013, the United States Supreme Court ruled that silence can be used against a defendant if they don’t specifically tell investigators why they are not answering questions. The only way to ensure that your Fifth Amendment rights are protected is to say that you wish to invoke your right to remain silent. Otherwise, if you don’t answer some questions but answer others, you give up that right and your silence can be used as an indicator of guilt if you are tried in court.
Many times, a police officer will ask to talk to someone and tell them specifically that they are not being arrested. In these instances, investigators are not required to read Miranda rights. However, the fact remains that whatever a person says will be used against them if they go to court. If you are ever asked to go to a police station for questioning in relation to a crime, it is important to consult with a criminal lawyer in Cambridge, MD so your rights will be protected.
Criminal lawyers represent people through all stages of the legal process. An attorney can go with you to talk to police, stand by your side during an arraignment and fight for you at a trial. The best way to ensure that your rights are not being violated is to hire an attorney as early as possible. With an attorney on your team, investigators will know that they cannot trick you into answering self-incriminating questions. In many cases, your lawyer will answer questions on your behalf or advise you whether to answer questions on a case by case basis. For more information on how a criminal lawyer can help you, visit the website.
