Posts Tagged ‘Miranda Warning’

Thanksgiving & Criminal Defense Myths

Jesse Nix, Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer, on the topic of  Dealing with Police
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Thanksgiving Myth: Eating turkey makes people drowsy.

Thanksgiving Reality: Tryptophan, the amino acid, is a natural sedative.  However, the amount of tryptophan in turkey is too small to actually make you sleepy.  In fact, turkey has the same amount of tryptophan as chicken or ground beef. (Source: http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/turkey.asp)

Criminal Defense Myth: If you are charged with a crime that you are innocent of, you should waive your Miranda rights and talk to the police.

Criminal Defense Reality: Don’t ever talk to the police after they’ve told you that you have the right to remain silent. EVER! Unless you have your attorney present or have consulted with an attorney, you should not trust the police.  Even if you are innocent, police will try to trick you into saying things that incriminate you.  There are many instances of innocent people going to prison for things they didn’t do because they were forced to make false confessions.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Your Right to a Utah Attorney in a Criminal Case

Clayton Simms, Criminal Defense Attorney, on the topic of  Constitutional Rights, Dealing with Police, Hiring a Lawyer
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After you are arrested by cops in Salt Lake, Utah the first thing they will do is give you a Miranda Warning:

“You have the right to remain silent. 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. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you?”

Sometimes, a cop will also ask, “With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?” Just say no! Even if you are innocent, say no.  It is better to have an experienced Utah criminal attorney by your side protecting your rights than to do it by yourself.  Although police might intimidate you into talking, they could turn what you say into an admission of guilt.  Don’t let them!  Innocent people try to explain themselves to the police.  This is a mistake because your words could be twisted by police.  Don’t say a damn thing!

You have a 6th Amendment right that guarantees you the right to be represented by a Utah attorney in a criminal case where jail or prison time may be imposed.  If questioned by the police remember to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Remember it is the police’s job to put you in jail, so don’t be afraid to ask for your Utah criminal attorney.