The First 48: What Reality TV Can Teach You About Your Miranda Rights

Viewers of the reality TV program “The First 48” know that the show follows a police investigation during the first forty-eight hours following a homicide. The show highlights the premise that the odds are stacked against the investigating team, “if they don’t get a lead within the first forty-eight hours.”

Police Investigators At Work

As the cases featured in the episode unfold, viewers watch as the investigators attempt to put a story together as to what happened, why and who is involved. Typically, police investigators depend on the subjects they are interviewing to freely offer information that could potentially incriminate them. Some viewers might be surprised to see just how frequently suspects waive their Miranda Rights and converse with the police without an attorney present. Often, it appears to be only those most experienced with criminal matters and those most savvy in dealing with law enforcement who immediately invoke their right to an attorney.

Invoking Miranda Rights Should Mean That Questioning Stops

When a person invokes their Miranda Rights, the police must cease questioning until an attorney is present. Viewers of “The First 48” know that this often appears to halt police investigations in their tracks. Sometimes, the investigating team is visibly distraught because without the suspect self-incriminating, the case can not immediately move forward.

Why You Should Always Request An Attorney Be Present

Most police investigators are honest, hard working people who want to serve their communities. However, mistakes can still be made and bias still exists. If you are a suspect in a criminal case or potentially involved in any way, you should not speak with the police without an attorney present.

If you find yourself detained by law enforcement, please remember the following:

1. Despite what the police investigators may claim, they are not your friends. They are not there to help you. Only an attorney can do that if you are charged with a crime. The police are there to investigate, skillfully extract information and potentially charge and arrest you, period.
2. If the police think that they have enough evidence to arrest you; they will. Talking to them and freely offering information that can and will be used against you is only making their job easier and your situation worse. They want to close the case and go home to dinner and their families. Invoking Miranda or not, either way you’ll be going to jail, at least until you can post bond. Don’t make your situation potentially far worse than it has to be by self-incriminating. Frequently, the evidence that the police use to obtain arrest warrants can be successfully challenged in court. It is your right to remain silent. Use it.
3. The most important four words to remember whenever you have been read your Miranda Rights are, “I want a lawyer.” This is the only sentence you should speak after you have heard the words, “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

All of the criminal defense attorneys at DRK Lawyers are former assistant district attorneys. We understand criminal cases and defense from both sides of the courtroom. We use our trial experience and knowledge of the government’s tactics to help defend our clients every day in the state of Pennsylvania. If you are facing criminal charges, please contact our team today. There is never a charge for your initial consultation.