What are the Miranda Rights?

 

Miranda Rights. You have probably heard of them before, but perhaps you do not know exactly what they are. Think back to the last time you witnessed someone getting arrested, whether in person or on a television screen. Do you remember the police officer’s speech that they are required to give to each person they arrest? The whole “you have the right to remain silent” is more than just a little speech. They are your Miranda Rights! The name originated from a U.S. Supreme Court case in 1966 where it was ruled that if the police would like to question a person in custody, they are absolutely required to tell you of the protection granted to you by the fifth amendment and a few others. There is a lot more to it, so Alabama Bail Bonds of Tuscaloosa County, a provider of bail bonds, is here to inform you on what your Miranda Rights actually entail. 

• You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. 

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The whole reason for Miranda Rights is so that you do not self-incriminate without understanding properly. In 1966, Ernesto Miranda was arrested and was not explained his rights. He later confessed to the crime after two hours of interrogation, and he was then forced to sign a statement. Since Miranda was not informed of his rights properly, he was unaware of his right to an attorney. When arrested, you legally do not have to say anything other than agreeing that you understand your rights. When the officer states, “you have the right to remain silent,” they truly mean you do not have to speak. 

• You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.  

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The sixth amendment grants every defendant the right to an attorney, but not everyone has the money to put down for a lawyer suddenly. With that, the United States decided that if someone cannot financially afford an attorney, the court will provide one for them. If someone does request an attorney, all questioning must stop until the attorney is present. You must invoke your rights when it comes to requesting a lawyer, though. If you do not do this properly and you are left without an attorney, the court can use that against you and say you did not actually use your rights. 

• Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me? 

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To close, the officer will ask if you understand what was just read to you. They do this because some non-English speakers do not understand, and if they do not understand, it can lead to self-incrimination. If someone is arrested and does not understand because of a language barrier, police officers have access to recordings of the Miranda Rights if they are not able to give them verbally in the arrestee’s mother tongue. Next, the police officer offers the arrestee the opportunity to then speak with them after they have been read their rights.  

It is very important that you understand what Miranda Rights are just in case you find yourself in the back seat of a police car. If that does happen, you should contact a bail bondsman for assistance with the bond process. Call Alabama Bail Bonds of Tuscaloosa County today for more information on your legal rights. 

When you or your loved one winds up in jail, your first call should be to Alabama Bail Bonds. We understand how stressful it can be trying to navigate the bail bonds process. Count on a licensed bail bondsman to make the process as easy as possible for you. 

Alabama Bail Bonds of Tuscaloosa County 
Tuscaloosa, AL 
(205) 339-7109 
https://www.alabailbonds.com