Learn • Anywhere
Rumie logo

"You have the right to remain silent."

If you've watched American TV shows, you likely understand the meaning of this sentence.

You may even know what follows it: "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you."

Walter White of Breaking Bad placing his hands over his head.

But what if this happens to YOU? Do you understand what it means to be "under arrest"? Do you know your rights?

Did you know?

When an individual is placed under arrest in the USA, they MUST be read their "Miranda Rights": "You have the right to remind silent...". Miranda Rights are named for Ernesto Miranda, who was arrested in Arizona in 1963. Miranda confessed to a crime without being told that he had the right to have an attorney present during police questioning. In 1966, the Supreme Court of the United States heard the case, Miranda v. Arizona, and declared that all suspects under arrest are entitled to know their Constitutional rights.

"You're under arrest."

What happens now?

  • Remain silent. Nod to inform the arresting officer that you understand your Miranda Rights but otherwise, say nothing.

  • You'll be taken to the police station (probably in the back of a police car) where you will be fingerprinted and your photo will be taken. Don't be scared — this is standard procedure.

A police car wuth white with blue/gold stripes, 4-doors, and a siren on its roof.Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash

What should you do (and not do)?

  • Don't resist (fight) arrest. Cooperate with the arresting officer. Always be polite.

  • Ask the police officers for the address of the police station. If you're with others when arrested (e.g. friends), be sure to tell them the address of the police station. You have the right to inform your friends of where you're being taken.

Quiz

True or False: You must talk to the police when you're being arrested.

Did you know?

You can't be arrested for getting a parking ticket or a speeding ticket. However, failure to pay the fines for either may result in a "warrant" for your arrest.

"You have the right to an attorney."

  • The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney.

  • But what if you can't afford to pay for an attorney? Don't worry! Remember the rest of Miranda Rights: "If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you." Legal representation is a right, not a privilege.

Saul Goodman wearing a suit, pointing his right index finger, and saying, 'Better call Saul!'

Who will be your attorney?

  • Public defenders are employed by the government to serve people who get into legal trouble but who don't have the money to pay a lawyer.

  • You can ask the arresting officer for a public defender.

  • Even if yo're arrested in the middle of the night, you still have the right to a public defender.

Quiz

What will happen after your arrest? Check all that apply.

"Bail is set for $."

  • The amount of bail depends on the severity of the crime committed.

  • For a non-violent crime, bail may be set at $500. A more violent crime may require bail of $10,000 or more.

Chief Wiggum opens a cell door and tells Homer Simpson that he's free to go.

  • You don't have to pay the entire amount of your bail. It is acceptable to pay 10 percent of the bail.

  • Bail is non-refundable.

Quiz

True or False: You must pay 100% of the bail that is set.

"Will I have a permanent record?"

People are arrested for committing a misdemeanor or a felony.

  • Misdemeanors are non-violent crimes (shoplifting, first-time drug possession).

  • Felonies are the most serious (domestic violence, sexual assault, murder).

  • Both crimes can result in a fine (separate from your bail) and/or jail time.

A manila folder with 'Permanent Record' circled and stamped in red ink.Image courtesy of Shutterstock

It is possible to have your arrest record expunged (wiped clean). Whether this happens will depend on the seriousness of the crime. If your arrest record is expunged, you may legally and truthfully state that you've never been arrested.

If your arrest record is not expunged, you must admit to having been arrested on future applications for employment.

Quiz

True or False: Being arrested means you'll have a criminal record forever.

Take Action

License:

This Byte has been authored by

AW

Adria Winfield

Digital Learning Coach

English

🍪 We use technical and analytics cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. more info