You have rights... Understand them.

These are the Miranda Rights guaranteed to you by the United States Constitution. The Miranda warning is intended to protect a suspect's Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer self-incriminating questions.

Miranda Rights do not, however, go into effect until after an arrest is made. An officer may ask questions before any arrest, but must inform a suspect that any questioning is voluntary. A suspect that is being questioned, but has not been placed under arrest, is free to leave at any time. The answers to these questions are admissible in court.

If however, a suspect is placed under arrest and not read Miranda Rights, spontaneous or voluntary statements may still be used as evidence in trial.

The Miranda Rights

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say may be used against you.

You have a right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you.