You’ve probably heard of “Miranda Rights” — the rights police officers read to suspects on TV shows. Have you ever wondered who Miranda was? As a criminal defense attorney, I want you to know your legal rights. Those rights include the Miranda Rights.
The Miranda Rights are your rights to remain silent and have an attorney present when questioned by police with the intention of using your statements in court. Police officers are not legally obligated to remind you of these rights when you are arrested, but they must do so prior to questioning at the police station. This law was established a result of the Miranda v. Arizona case in 1966.
In 1963, Ernesto Miranda was arrested after a kidnapping and sexual assault victim identified him at a Phoenix, AZ, police station. During a thorough interrogation, he was forced to create a written and signed confession, and he was denied legal assistance until late in the subsequent court proceedings. Although he was later convicted on legitimate grounds, he appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the violation of his constitutional rights. By 1966, the Supreme Court ruled that Miranda’s rights were indeed violated under the Fifth Amendment that prevents you from self-incrimination, as well as the Sixth Amendment that entitles you to an attorney.
A criminal defense attorney knows about your legal rights, including the rights you have before you are charged with an offense. Those rights are in place to protect all citizens during difficult times.
If you are ever brought in for questioning to a police station – whether or not you think you are guilty – always remember your legal rights. Call us at the Byrnes Law firm and let an experienced St. Charles, MO, criminal defense attorney review your case. You can also call or email us for a free and confidential consultation at any time!