South Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
IF I’M ARRESTED: DO THE POLICE HAVE TO READ ME MY RIGHTS?
No. Huh?
Your right to remain silent only applies AFTER an arrest, not before.
If you are arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or West Palm Beach you MUST know the difference between a stop, a detention, police contact, and the ultimate situation: an arrest.
To answer the question more fully know this: The arrest is valid even if no rights are read to you. If the police intend to use any statement of yours (confession) it cannot be used in court unless under the totality of the circumstances the statement is freely and voluntarily given and not the product of coercion or force.
For a fuller understanding of an arrest, and a stop, and your Miranda rights speak to a South Florida criminal defense lawyer. Contact the Broward Bar Association in Fort Lauderdale, or the Florida Bar for a list of South Florida criminal defense lawyers with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach.