Understanding Miranda Warnings in Missouri

The police didn’t read me my Miranda warnings! Do I win my case? What are my Miranda rights? 

If you’ve ever watched a crime drama on TV, you’ve probably heard an officer say, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” This is part of what’s known as Miranda warnings, which play a crucial role in protecting your rights when you’re in police custody. But what exactly are Miranda warnings, and how do they affect your case if law enforcement doesn’t follow the rules in Missouri?  As experience criminal defense attorneys at Twibell Pierson Criminal Law we will explain when Miranda rights apply, and discuss what a criminal defense attorney in Missouri can do if these rights are violated.

What Are Miranda Warnings?

Miranda warnings come from the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). The Court ruled that when a person is in custody and subject to interrogation by law enforcement, they must be informed of their rights before questioning can take place. These rights include:

• The right to remain silent.
• The right to have an attorney present during questioning.
• The warning that anything said can be used against them in court.

If the police don’t inform you of these rights, anything you say in response to questioning may be inadmissible in court. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney look at each situation because every case is different. 

When Are Miranda Warnings Required?

For Miranda warnings to be necessary, two things must be true:

1. You must be in custody: This means that a reasonable person in your position would not feel free to leave. Common scenarios that suggest you’re in custody include being placed in handcuffs, sitting in the back of a police car, or being held in a police station.
2. You must be subject to interrogation: Interrogation refers to direct questioning by police officers or its “functional equivalent”—actions or statements by police that are likely to lead to incriminating responses. Even if officers aren’t asking direct questions, if they say or do something designed to get you to incriminate yourself, it’s considered interrogation.

Example: When Miranda Warnings Apply

Let’s say you’ve been pulled over for a traffic stop. The officer arrests you and places you in the back of the police car. If the officer starts asking questions about a crime or makes comments intended to get you to confess, they are supposed to give you Miranda warnings before doing so.

But if you are just sitting in the front seat of their car or it’s a routine traffic stop, it is not a custodial interrogation. The U.S. Supreme Court has said that when someone’s freedom is significantly restricted, such as when they are physically detained, Miranda warnings are required. For example, in Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420 (1984), the Court found that once a traffic stop escalates and the person is no longer free to leave, it becomes custodial. Missouri courts agree, ruling in cases like State v. Adams, 791 S.W.2d 873 (Mo. App. 1990), that being placed in a police car qualifies as being in custody.

If the officer then admits that their comments or indirect questioning were intended to get you to confess, this becomes the “functional equivalent” of interrogation. According to the U.S. Supreme Court case Rhode Island v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291 (1980), any actions by police designed to elicit an incriminating response count as interrogation, even if they’re not asking direct questions.

What Happens If Miranda Warnings Aren’t Given?

If you were in custody and being interrogated without receiving Miranda warnings, your attorney can file a motion to suppress any statements you made during that time. In Missouri, courts have ruled that statements made without proper Miranda warnings can’t be used as evidence against you. For example, in State v. Quinn, 594 S.W.2d 599 (Mo. 1980), the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that a suspect’s statements were inadmissible because they were made in response to the functional equivalent of interrogation without Miranda warnings.

Can a Violation of Miranda Warnings Get My Case Dismissed?

In some cases, yes—but not always. If the main evidence against you is an incriminating statement you made during a custodial interrogation, and that statement is thrown out due to a Miranda violation, the prosecution might not have enough evidence to proceed with the case. This could lead to the charges being reduced or dismissed in the state of Missouri.

However, even if your statements are suppressed, it doesn’t mean the entire case will be dismissed. If the police or prosecution have other strong evidence against you—like physical evidence or witness testimony—they may still be able to convict you without using your statements. This is why you should always consult with an attorney when being questioned with law enforcement, it is not always easy to know if you are going to be able to win a case. 

What a Criminal Defense Attorney in Missouri Can Do for You

If you believe your Miranda rights were violated in Missouri, it’s important to consult with a Missouri criminal defense attorney. Here’s what a defense attorney can do:

1. Evaluate the Custodial Situation: An experienced defense attorney will review the facts of your case to determine whether you were in custody when you made your statement. For example, being placed in a police vehicle during an arrest often qualifies as custody.
2. Examine the Interrogation: Your attorney will also look at whether the police were interrogating you or using the functional equivalent of interrogation. Even indirect comments designed to provoke a response could count as interrogation.
3. File a Motion to Suppress: If your Miranda rights were violated, your attorney can file a motion to suppress any statements made during the custodial interrogation. If the motion is successful, the court will rule that your statements cannot be used against you at trial.
4. Negotiate with the Prosecution: If key evidence is suppressed, your attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss the charges, especially if the prosecution no longer has a strong case.

Conclusion

Miranda warnings protect your constitutional right against self-incrimination during police interrogations. If you were in custody and interrogated without being informed of your rights, any statements you made might be inadmissible in court. However, whether this will win your case depends on the other evidence against you. If you believe your rights were violated, it’s crucial to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Missouri who can protect your rights and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

If you need help with a criminal case involving Miranda issues, contact Twibell Pierson Criminal Law for a consultation.