2 rights that you should know before being arrested.

Based on Miranda v. Arizona, 384 US 436 (1966), and the 5th amendment, of course.

These kinds of rights you should know before being arrested because they are the kinds of rights that you would want to know after being arrested.

Do you know what is the common thing between an offender and someone who act in good faith? Both don’t expect to be arrested any day.

So just in case, take a pen and paper and write it down:

1- You have the right to remain silent.

Okay, maybe you have heard it tons of time on movies before. However, keep in mind the next statement: The judge is the guy that you will argue you’re innocent but not the police. So once the police handcuff you, the best deal just follows their instructions up.

The why can be explained: everything you say under arrest will be against you in a court of law. They (the police) would use any word, behavior, or whatever you do against you.

2- You have the right to get a lawyer.

Please, don’t forget it. Do not sign any paper or do not respond to any question without a lawyer along with you. This is simple: you’re under nervous and maybe you would want just one thing more than ever in life at that situation: get back home. If they (the police) offer to get you back home and if you respond to whichever question, you might regret it forever then.

Let a lawyer do his/her job. The lawyer will break down every proposal around you and fight to protect your rights.

You might think: “Oh my gosh, I cannot afford one lawyer”. Okay, one will (must) be provided to you. Free.

Once you understand it, the cop must read it and finish with a question:

Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?

If so, they will ask you if you wish to speak to them.

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