Miranda Rights: Why You Should Always Stay Silent

Marisol Quijano Buckley
May 22
3 min read

When you're being questioned by police, there's one thing you should never forget: you have the right to remain silent — and you should use it. Anything you say really can and will be used against you, and far too many people talk themselves into criminal charges without even realizing it.

Knowing when and how to invoke your Miranda rights could mean the difference between walking free and facing a serious conviction.

🚨 What Are Miranda Rights?

Miranda rights come from the 1966 Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which requires that law enforcement inform individuals in custody of their right to remain silent and their right to an attorney before interrogation.

You’ve heard it on TV:

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law…”

That’s not just TV drama — it’s the law. But here’s the truth: most people don’t stay silent when it matters most.

❗ Why Staying Silent Is Crucial:

The police can legally lie to you during an interrogation. They can twist your words, make promises they don’t intend to keep, and use psychological tactics to get you to talk. Even an innocent explanation can be misinterpreted, misquoted, or used out of context in court.

What Happens When You Talk:

You may incriminate yourself unknowingly.
You might contradict yourself under pressure — and that creates doubt.
You can lose legal defenses you didn’t know you had.

What Happens When You Stay Silent:

You give your lawyer room to protect you.
You avoid giving prosecutors free evidence.
You keep control of your case.

✅ How to Invoke Your Miranda Rights the Right Way

It’s not enough to just stay quiet — you need to affirmatively invoke your rights. Here’s what to say:

“I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Then say nothing else. Don’t answer questions. Don’t explain. Don’t try to talk your way out of it. Let your attorney do the talking for you.

🛡️ The Power of an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer:

Even if you’ve invoked your rights, what happens next is critical. Hiring the right lawyer can change everything. You need someone who’s not just competent — but fearless, strategic, and battle-tested.

At the Law Offices of Sean Buckley:

We know the system inside and out.
Criminal defense attorney Sean Buckley has over 25 years of experience defending the accused.
He’s a highly trained trial attorney who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases or fight for you in front of a jury. (He especially likes to fight the feds:)
We speak English and Spanish — because every client deserves to be heard and understood.
We offer a free consultation — so you can know your legal rights and options without any pressure.

📍 Law Offices of Sean Buckley📍 175 Main Street, Biloxi, MS📞 Call us today: (228) 933-4411

🔑 Final Thought: Silence Is Strength — Use It Wisely

Exercising your Miranda rights isn't a sign of guilt — it’s a sign of intelligence. And pairing that silence with the right attorney? That’s the real power move.

If you or someone you love is facing questioning or criminal charges, don’t wait.

Call South Mississippi's finest criminal defense attorney Sean Buckley today. You need a lawyer with unmatchable experience, relentless courage, and a track record of results.