Suspects in crimes have rights that they can invoke if they are being detained or arrested. These are important to remember because they can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. If you are facing a serious charge, such as murder, you don’t want to fail to invoke your rights because this could time behind bars.
One of the primary things to remember is that you should never run from the police. If you know that they are coming for you, contact your attorney right away. If you are on the scene of a crime and they want to talk to you, don’t try to run away. Instead, ask if you are free to leave. If they say “no,” you are being detained and can invoke your Miranda rights.
These rights are the ones that you hear a lot on television and in movies. They include reminders that you can remain silent, that you can have an attorney with you and that you may qualify for a public defender. If you are read your Miranda rights, one of the first things you should do is invoke your right to remain silent and state that you want an attorney.
When you are invoking your rights, never waiver with what you are saying. Be firm and make your wishes clear. Once you invoke them, don’t say anything else except for reiterating the invocation if an officer continues to try to ask questions.
It is always a good idea to have your attorney with you when you are being questioned. This can help to ensure that your rights are consistently being respected. Never admit to a crime, including any type a homicide charge, without first speaking to an attorney.