The Miranda Warning is one of the best-known protections for individuals accused of a criminal offense. Following a Supreme Court ruling decades ago, police departments across the country have provided a verbal warning to those in police custody before officers question them.
The Miranda Warning advises someone both of their right to remain silent and their right to legal representation as they respond to the charges against them. It is so important that a defendant can use a Miranda Warning mistake to suppress evidence in some cases.
Just as the Supreme Court established the right of those in state custody to hear the Miranda Warning before undergoing an interrogation, it also sometimes has to clarify the practical implications of the Miranda Warning rule. The courts recently ruled on a case that could affect what rights you have if you experience a Miranda violation.
What did the Supreme Court decide?
Many people who realize that police officers violated their Miranda rights will make a claim about that violation in criminal court. The exclusionary rule requires that the courts not admit evidence, such as confessions or contradictory statements, that the police gathered after a violation of somebody’s Miranda Warning rights.
However, it has also become common practice for individuals who experienced a significant Miranda violation to take civil action against the police department or officer involved in their case. The Supreme Court heard one such case and announced a ruling in the summer of 2022 that will affect those who have had their rights violated by police officers.
The Supreme Court ruled that those affected by a Miranda violation do not have the right to sue in civil court and demand financial compensation from the officer or police department involved. However, they can still make use of the exclusionary rule that can keep evidence out of court and hopefully help them mount a successful criminal defense.
Those who expect to make use of precedent or crucial court rulings as part of their defense strategy need to keep up to date on legal changes and new court rulings that could impact their case. Looking into different criminal defense options can protect those accused of breaking the law and help them avoid a life-altering criminal conviction.