Before you are questioned by the police, they need to inform you of your Miranda rights. These are fundamental rights that apply to suspects during a criminal investigation, so it is important for all Americans to be aware of them.
One of your Miranda rights is protected by the Fifth Amendment, which gives you the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions from law enforcement, and you do not have to say anything that would incriminate you. Remaining silent is not an admission of guilt, but simply a way to protect your rights.
Another Miranda right comes from the Sixth Amendment. This provides you with the right to an attorney. Many people hire their own attorney during a criminal defense case. But even someone who cannot afford to hire an attorney should have one appointed to them so that they have legal counsel.
How do these rights work together?
In many ways, these rights complement one another, which is why law enforcement must inform you of both of them.
For instance, perhaps police officers want to question or interrogate you. You decide that you do not want to answer any of their questions until your attorney is present. This does not mean that you are refusing to answer questions indefinitely. Rather, you want to have an attorney there to help you navigate the process and protect your rights, so you are invoking both of these Miranda rights at the same time.
If this is your first time facing an arrest or criminal charges, it can certainly feel overwhelming. That is why it is so important to understand exactly what legal rights you have and what steps to take as your case moves forward.