Experiencing fear during an arrest is a common reaction, no matter what the situation. Seeing yourself in handcuffs invokes confusion, fear, alarm, and dread. It is almost impossible to think straight or respond in such a moment.
Hence, it is crucial to comprehend and actively exercise your rights. If arrested or detained in Texas, know your Miranda Rights granted under the U.S. Constitution.
What are Miranda Rights?
Many people are familiar with Miranda rights from watching TV and movies. Although many recognize part or entire spiel, many are unaware of its importance. You can find clichés on many shows, but its origin is the Miranda v. Arizona landmark Supreme Court case.
Without Miranda warnings, suspects can’t sue police for damages under federal civil rights law, per the Supreme Court. This is regardless of whether or not the police used the evidence against them in a criminal law. Per the court’s ruling, the Miranda warning safeguards a constitutional right. However, it is not admissible as a legal defense in criminal cases.
Police custody
Police only need to read you the Miranda Warnings once you’re in custody or when they place you under arrest. If you speak to the police voluntarily, it is not clear at which point they should enact the Miranda rights. Regrettably, the court could interpret it as an acknowledgment of guilt for the committed crime.
What to know about Miranda warnings
For safety and compliance with the law, it is essential to understand the nitty-gritty of Miranda Warnings. Police don’t read your Miranda warning every time they interact with you. You must be in custody, meaning you’re deprived of freedom of action. Therefore, you can’t consider routine traffic stops custodial.
Although the police might choose to read your Miranda rights during or before an arrest, it’s not mandatory. The law only obligates them to Mirandize you when you are being questioned in custody. When you blurt out a confession during an arrest, it’s treated as admissible evidence in court. This is because the interrogation had not yet commenced, although you were in custody.
The Miranda decision helps educate you about your Constitutional rights. Understanding them and knowing when to apply them can be helpful in the event of an arrest.
