Miranda rights are the constitutional warnings that law enforcement must give to a suspect before conducting a custodial interrogation. They stem from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966).
The Miranda Warning
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 Miranda Rights Apply
Miranda rights only apply when two conditions are met — you are in custody (not free to leave) and you are being interrogated. If police fail to read you your Miranda rights before questioning you in custody, any statements you make may be inadmissible in court.
The most important thing to remember is this — exercise your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney immediately. Do not answer questions without your attorney present, no matter how innocent the questions seem.
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