The familiar recitation of Miranda warnings from countless crime dramas makes these rights seem mundane in criminal prosecutions. Even so, these rights are pivotal in protecting a defendant from a wrongful conviction. If law enforcement violates someone’s Miranda rights, any incriminating statements the defendant make are no longer usable at trial. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued a ruling that reinforces a defendant’s right to remain silent during questioning.
Where Did Miranda Rights Originate From?
Pursuant to the Fifth Amendment, no one “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.” This constitutional right was protected by Miranda v Arizona. This Supreme Court case imposed certain procedural safeguards on police officers that they must obey when questioning an in-custody defendant.
One of the most important Miranda warnings is that a defendant has the right to remain silent. To invoke this right, a defendant need only make an “unambiguous” statement that he wishes to remain silent. There is no special phrase that a defendant needs to say to invoke their rights.
The Importance of Protecting a Defendant’s Miranda Rights
Even if a defendant self-incriminates after invoking their Miranda rights, there are options available to help prevent further damage. For example, a defendant can file a motion to suppress the statement at trial and prevent it from being submitted as evidence. The district court will then evaluate whether the defendant made a clear statement that he wanted to remain silent. If the police did not respect the rights of the defendant and continued to pressure them into making a statement, it cannot be used against them in the trial. Even so, the district court may deny the motion. If so, a defendant can appeal the motion to the circuit court level.
What Happened in United States v. Abdallah
After his arrest in front of his Virginia convenience store on federal drug charges, Abdallah found himself at the local police station. When the officers read him his Miranda rights, Abdallah said he “wasn’t going to say anything at all”. Despite his clear expression of his plans to remain silent, the officers continued to pepper him with questions. Eventually, the defendant made several incriminating statements that the government used against him at trial.
As the defendant expressed his desire to remain silent, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Abdallah’s motion. By continuing to question Abdallah, the police failed to respect his rights. As a result, the appellate court reversed and remanded the defendant’s conviction.
The district court improperly held that the defendant’s statement was ambiguous. The government argued that the defendant’s statements voice must be calm to invoke his rights effectively. The appellate court disagreed and said that the defendant’s tone of voice played no role in the invocation of his rights.
Protecting Your Miranda Rights
After an arrest, it is completely understandable why many defendants are unable to stop themselves from speaking. But it is crucial that you take full advantage of your Miranda rights. By invoking your rights, you might be saving yourself from prison time, and you may even have your charges dismissed outright.
Speak to an attorney as soon as possible after being arrested or charged with a crime to ensure sure that your behavior while in police custody is not used against you. Attorney Brandon Sample PLC has vast experience defending those charged with federal crimes. Trust him to fight for your case, including the potential to help suppress any statements you made while in custody.
