Command Respect when You Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

You have the right to remain silent if you are being questioned in relation to a crime. You can invoke this right whenever you feel the need if you are dealing with law enforcement officers. There are a few points that you need to remember if you are ever put in a position where you might want to do this.

When you do opt to invoke this right, you need to make sure that you are very clear about what you are saying. Once you state that you are going to remain silent, you should stick to that statement. Don't answer any questions or make any other statements. You are actually protecting yourself by invoking this right, so don't mess that protection up by saying anything.

There are several reasons why you might choose to invoke your rights. The most important for many people is that their statements can be used in court against them. This means that there is a fine line about what can be said and how it can be said. You have to think about the words that you choose, but you also have to think about how those words might be construed.

Oftentimes, it is best to have someone familiar with the law standing by your side as you are dealing with law enforcement officers. People in law enforcement are trained in questioning so you have to be prepared to handle that type of experience. This can prove to be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be impossible.

Taking the time to determine how various points will impact your defense can help you decide what you are going to do.

Source: FindLaw, "Invoking the Right to Remain Silent," accessed Nov. 29, 2017