It is not as straightforward as you would think, at least not anymore. This past summer, on June 17, the Supreme Court made a 5-4 ruling that affects your Fifth Amendment rights. The decision was based out of a murder case. The police had been questioning a suspect, but the man was not in police custody. This meant that he had not been read Miranda warnings yet, nor did he have a right to hear them. He was answering an officer’s questions, when the officer asked him whether or not the shell casings found at the scene belonged to his gun. At this point, the suspect clammed up. When the officer asked different questions, the suspect began to answer again. Prosecutors used this silence as evidence against the man who was questioned. The Supreme Court has affirmed that action, deciding that if a person wants to use their right to remain silent outside of police custody, then they have to say so. You are outside of police custody when it is clear that you are not at liberty to go. This literally means that if you do not want to answer a police officer’s questions outside of custody, you have to say something like, “I want to invoke my constitutional right to remain silent.” If you do not take this action, an officer and then a prosecutor can use your silence against you. If you have any other questions about your rights, or if you need to defend against criminal charges, turn to the Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm PLC. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Davidson has a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system. He is equipped with the knowledge and experience that may be able to protect your rights and your freedom. Contact our firm today!
