Arrested by MPD? You Have Rights: Know Your Miranda Rights

According to statistics, there were 4.53 million arrests in a recent year in the U.S., and unfortunately, some of these arrests violated the rights of arrestees. Every year, people are arrested by the Montgomery Police Department and unaware of their Miranda Rights. This often leads to difficult situations that can have long-reaching consequences on a person's life. 

If you have recently been arrested or fear you will be in the near future, it's incredibly important to know your Miranda Rights. With this information, you have a better chance of safeguarding yourself during or after an arrest. In any situation, seek help from a Montgomery criminal defense attorney about your arrest and charges. 

What Exactly Are Miranda Rights?

The first thing you need to know is what your Miranda Rights are. These rights are often referred to as Miranda warnings or advisements, derived from the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 

The rights are named after the landmark Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which established that individuals must be informed of certain rights upon being arrested by the police. 

The Miranda Warning Typically Consists Of The Following Statements

Each of these needs to be communicated with you during an arrest by the Montgomery Police Department:

• The right to remain silent: You have the right to refuse to answer any questions or provide self-incriminating statements.
• Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law: This emphasizes that any statements made by you during the interrogation can be used as evidence against them in a court of law.
• The right to an attorney: You have the right to have an attorney present during the interrogation to provide legal counsel and guidance.
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be arranged and provided for you: If you cannot afford an attorney, the state will provide one free of charge.

These rights protect individuals from self-incrimination and ensure a fair legal process. If you have been arrested and interrogated without hearing these Miranda Rights, it is critical to your defense against any subsequent charges. 

When Exactly Are Miranda Rights Applicable In Alabama?

Miranda rights apply when a person is in custody and subject to interrogation or material questioning by law enforcement officers. Custody typically refers to any situation where a reasonable person believes they are not free to leave. If you are in custody and officers want to ask you questions about the alleged offense, they must say the Miranda warning first.

What Are the Consequences Of Violating Miranda Rights

If law enforcement fails to read you your Miranda rights or conducts an interrogation in violation of these rights, any statements you make may be deemed inadmissible as evidence in court. That's why knowing your rights and understanding how they apply during an arrest can significantly impact your defense and protect your legal interests. 

Consult with a Montgomery, Alabama, Criminal Defense Attorney Today 

At Luck Law, we can identify any Miranda violations and use them to your advantage in your criminal case. To speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery, contact us here, and we'll arrange an obligation-free consultation.