Last month, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled on several important cases. While certain cases earned more publicity than others, one of the cases that got the least coverage is the most important for criminal defense purposes. This case, Vega v. Tekoh, clarified that a police officer cannot be sued if he does not give an individual a Miranda warning before interrogating him when that individual’s incriminating statements are introduced as evidence against him in court.
This has significant implications for criminal defense as it removes a defendant’s ability to seek a remedy for violations of their Miranda rights. If you are being accused of a crime, it is absolutely essential to never give statements to law enforcement that admit guilt. If you are being accused of committing a federal crime, or are even being questioned about one, call an attorney before speaking to investigators.
What Exactly Are Miranda Rights?
A Miranda warning is a statement that police are required to give to criminal suspects telling them that they do not need to speak in an interrogation and that anything they say can be used as evidence against them. Miranda warnings also advise suspects that they have a right to an attorney and that, if they cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided.
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