Know Your Rights

If you have been arrested or contacted by the police, it is important to know your rights before you decide to make a statement, or agree to be interviewed. The rules to remember are known as your Miranda Rights.

You have the right to remain silent.

There is no requirement for you to make a statement to anyone about the case or your involvement in a crime. Police officers and detectives will often try to convince you to speak to them. In many instances, they will imply or tell you that things will be much easier for you if you make a statement. It is important to remember that you have an absolute right to remain silent, and that police officers and the prosecutor cannot use your decision to remain silent against you in court.
 
If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

If you decide to talk to a police officer or detective, your statement can be admitted in court. In many instances, your statement will help the prosecutor prove their case.

You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney
present during questioning.

If you have been arrested, or the police want to interview you about a crime, you can demand that your attorney be present during the interview with the police. It is important to remember that the only person who can ask for an attorney is you. The police officers and detectives will not invoke this right for you. It is important to demand to have an attorney present before any questioning begins.

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you must give a statement to the police because you cannot afford an attorney. It is important to demand to speak to an attorney before giving a statement to the police. Once you make the demand, the police officers and detectives must stop questioning you.

You may invoke these rights at any time.

You can choose to remain silent or demand an attorney at any point during police questioning. Even if you have already made statements to the police officers or detectives, you can stop talking and demand to have an attorney present at any time.