If you are arrested or detained by law enforcement officers in the United States, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. These rights are commonly known as the Miranda rights, named after the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.
To exercise your Miranda rights, you can follow these steps:
Stay Calm: If you are approached by a police officer or taken into custody, try to remain calm and composed. Do not argue, resist, or try to escape, as this may lead to additional charges or harm to yourself.
Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent: Tell the police officer that you are choosing to remain silent and do not wish to answer any questions. This can be done by saying something like, “I’m invoking my right to remain silent,” or “I don’t want to talk without my lawyer present.”
Request a Lawyer: If you are being questioned by the police, you have the right to an attorney. You can say something like, “I want to speak with a lawyer,” or “I want a lawyer before I say anything else.” Once you request an attorney, the police must stop questioning you until your lawyer is present.
Follow Through on Your Request: Make sure you do not speak to the police or answer any questions until your lawyer is present. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, and it is important to exercise these rights to protect yourself.
It is important to remember that the Miranda rights apply only when you are in custody and being interrogated by law enforcement officers. If you are not in custody or are not being questioned, the Miranda warning does not apply.
If you or a loved one have been charged with DWI in Texas, the thought of facing those criminal charges in court can be intimidating. However, it is important to understand that you don’t have to face your DWI case alone, and working with our Texas DWI Defense Attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome. The consequences of a DWI conviction are serious and will affect every area of your life, including your freedom, driver’s license, job, relationships, and future. If you have been charged with DWI, take the crucial first step of protecting your rights and call our experienced Texas DWI Defense Attorney. If you have questions about DWI in Texas, please call DWI Defense Attorney Alex Tyra at (903) 753-7499.