Invoking Your Right to Remain Silent
You've seen it time after time on shows and in the movies: Cops slapping the cuffs on a "perp" and reading them their rights. But does it always happen that way? And can your silence actually be used against you sometimes?
Demanding Identification From People on the Street
Many states have stop-and-identify laws. Under these laws, if a police officer reasonably suspects that someone has engaged in criminal activity, the officer can stop the person and ask for identification.
Questioning Suspects in Custody: The Miranda Rule
Police must advise you of your 'Miranda rights' before initiating in-custody questioning.
Miranda: The Meaning of Custodial Interrogation
Movies and television shows commonly portray police officers arresting and handcuffing suspects, reading them their
Criminal Arrests and Interrogations FAQ
Learn about your rights during police interrogations and arrests.
Miranda Rights for Students at School
You probably know that police officers are supposed to advise arrested suspects of their
Miranda Rights: What Happens If the Police Don't Read You Your Rights
Many people believe that if they are arrested and not "read their rights," they can escape punishment. Not true. But if the police fail to read a suspect their rights, the prosecutor can't use anything the suspect says as evidence against the suspect at trial.
Statements Obtained When Police Violate Miranda: Can They Be Used Against You?
Most of the time, when the police fail to follow the Miranda rule, the defendant's statements cannot be used against him or her at trial—but there are several exceptions.