You Have the Right to Remain Silent. Use It.

“You have the right to remain silent” is more than a line you hear on television. It is one of the most important rights you have when dealing with law enforcement.

Remaining silent means exactly that: stop talking and ask for an attorney.

You do not have to explain what happened. You do not have to prove you are innocent. You do not have to answer questions because an officer says they only want to “clear a few things up.”

Even when you have done nothing wrong, what you say can hurt you.

People under stress often get dates, times, and small details wrong. An innocent mistake can later be presented as an inconsistency. A statement you believe explains your actions may be interpreted differently by an investigator, prosecutor, or jury.

Do not assume talking will make the situation better because you are innocent.

If police want to question you about a crime, clearly say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want an attorney.” 

Then stop talking.

Do not try to explain your side afterward. Do not fill an uncomfortable silence. Do not discuss the case in a patrol car or jail. Do not talk about it on recorded jail calls, with others in the jail, or on social media. Protect yourself and be quiet. 

The right to remain silent only protects you when you use it.

Whether you are guilty, innocent, or simply unsure why law enforcement wants to speak with you, the safest approach is simple: remain silent and speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions. 

When you’re unsure of what to do, Beau Rudder Law is here to help, call us today 912-707-2110