If you have ever watched a police drama on television you have undoubtedly heard of your “Miranda” rights. You probably have a general idea what those rights are; however, you may not know when they apply nor what the ramifications are if those rights are violated. If you ever find yourself in an encounter with the police, understanding your Miranda rights will prove beneficial. To help make sure that you do understand your Miranda rights, a Murfreesboro criminal lawyer explains the history of the Miranda case and provides basic information about how the rights discussed in that case can protect you today.
Miranda vs. Arizona
Your “Miranda rights” are referred to as such after the Supreme Court case (Miranda vs. Arizona, 384 US 436, 1966) that mandated them. The case revolved around the arrest of Phoenix resident Ernesto Miranda in 1963. Ernesto, had not finished ninth grade and had a history of mental instability, was charged with rape, kidnapping, and robbery. The police did not inform Miranda that he had any rights prior to beginning a two-hour interrogation during which Miranda allegedly confessed to committing the crimes. Miranda had no counsel present before, or during, the interrogation. When the case went to trial, the prosecutions entire case was based on Ernesto’s alleged confession. Despite this, Miranda was convicted of rape and kidnapping and sentenced to 20-30 years in prison. He appealed, claiming that the confession was obtained in violation of his constitutional rights and was, therefore, inadmissible. That appeal was eventually heard by the U.S. Supreme Court who, in a 5-4 decision, agreed with Miranda. Specifically, the Court held that the police had failed to first inform Miranda of his right to an attorney and against self-incrimination. The Court further found that the 5th Amendment’s right against self-incrimination and the 6th Amendment’s right to counsel compelled the police to give suspect warnings about their rights before the police question them. Without these two fundamental rights, both of which, the Court ruled, “dispel the compulsion inherent in custodial surroundings,” “no statement obtained from the defendant can truly be the product of his free choice.” Finally, the court actually included a statement to illustrate, at a bare minimum, what the police must tell a suspect before questioning the suspect. That statement quickly became known as your “Miranda warnings.” The U.S. Supreme Court, in Miranda, made it clear that a law enforcement officer must tell a suspect the following prior to questioning:
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
- You have the right to an attorney.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.
When Do Your Miranda Warnings Apply?
This is where most of the confusion with regard to your Miranda rights occurs. One of the most common things criminal defense attorneys hear from clients is “The police never read me my rights so the case has to be thrown out, right?” Actually, it doesn’t work quite like that. A law enforcement officer is only required to read you your Miranda warnings if you are in custody and the officer wishes to question you. If, for example, the police stop you while you are walking down the street and begin to ask you questions, they are not obligated to Mirandize you first because you are not in custody. Likewise, even if you are placed under arrest and are in the back of a police car, the police are not required to read you your rights unless they want to question you. If you are in custody, and the police question you without first reading you your Miranda warnings, anything you subsequently say could be ruled inadmissible at trial. That does not, however, mean that the prosecutor must dismiss the charges against you. A violation of your Miranda rights only results in potentially inadmissible statements. The State may continue with the prosecution of the case – it may just need to do so without using any statements you made to the police if those statements were made in violation of your rights.
Contact a Murfreesboro Criminal Lawyer
If you have additional questions about a potential violation of your Miranda rights in the State of Tennessee, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Murfreesboro criminal lawyer immediately. Contact the team at Bennett, Michael & Hornsby today by calling 615-898-1560 to schedule your appointment.
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