You Have The Right To Remain Silent: When Keeping Your Mouth Shut After Arrest Is Best
From the moment an officer lets you know that you are being placed under arrest by reading you your Miranda Rights, you are no longer obligated to speak to law enforcement, investigators, or anyone else who has a question after you are charged with a crime. Surprisingly, however, many folks who land in hot water and get arrested tend to say far more than they should before they have an attorney present for fair representation. If you are ever charged with a crime, there are good reasons why exercising your right to remain silent is a good idea, especially in some situations. Here is a quick look at when you should keep your mouth closed after you are arrested.
Don't speak without an attorney if you feel you are being unfairly blamed for something you didn't do.
If your arrest came as an instance of circumstance and you know you are innocent, you may feel there is nothing to hide so it is best to speak up. However, even though you are innocent, investigators and law enforcement will likely not believe what you have to say simply because most people don't admit to their crimes. Therefore, it is easy to get frustrated with the situation and have something you say used in court to prove your guilt even when you are innocent.
Use your Fifth Amendment right if you have been arrested along with another individual.
If two people are taken in because they are both associated with a crime, it is common practice for the two parties to be interviewed separately by the police. This tactic is used often to see if the two parties give the same story of the situation when they cannot communicate with one another. The only problem with this tactic is you never know if the other party is solely blaming you for a crime. It is best not to take part in this interrogation practice without an attorney present to guide you.
Keep yourself quiet if you are intoxicated or otherwise inebriated.
If you are taken into custody while you are intoxicated or otherwise under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is always best to reserve your comments and keep quiet. Everything you say at this time can and will be used to prove in a court of law that you are guilty, even if you slip up and say something nonsensical that you do not mean. Simply inform the authorities in place that you need a criminal defense attorney before you will speak.
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