If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense it is important for you to know your rights.  As a citizen of the United States, you have rights to how you can be treated by police and all throughout your court process. In Ohio, you need a criminal defense attorney to understand your situation and to have him put together a plan to obtain a positive outcome.  You know things are not good when a police officer says he is reading you your rights.  Your Miranda Rights. A cop points at you and says, “Read him his rights.”  You know that you have been taken into police custody and are about to be informed of your “Miranda Rights” prior to being questioned. While they seem straightforward, they are not.  There are many variations and exceptions depending on each situation. It is safe to assume that if you are being read your Miranda Rights, you are suspected of doing something illegal and law enforcement will be watching every move you make and paying close attention to every word you say from that point forward. Anything you do or say will become evidence.

You have the right to remain silent. 

If you are in custody and about to be questioned, you must be informed and understand, without questions, that you have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. 

Don’t say anything.  Call your attorney after you are read your Miranda Rights.  No matter what you say from this point forward, make no mistake, it will be used against you.  Words get twisted, and not in your favor.

You have the right to have an attorney present now and during any future questioning.  

Period.  The end.  Call an attorney from the scene. Say nothing to police. A criminal defense attorney in Ohio will be indispensable to the protection of the Fifth Amendment privilege.  You have the right to due process of law.  This protects you from unlawful search and seizure of your private property and person. The office must obtain your permission or a search warrant.

If you can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you free of charge if you wish. 

If you state that you want an attorney present, the interrogation must stop immediately until a criminal defense attorney is present.

The Bottom Line:  The Miranda Rights do not protect you from being arrested.  The rights are only to protect you from incriminating yourself during questioning.   If you are arrested and charged with a crime in Ohio, then you have the absolute right to an attorney.  It is vital to your entire future that you contact me and begin building your case as soon as possible.  Put my number in your phone, and call anytime: 513-260-2099