When must officers give Miranda warnings, and what rights do they convey?

• A. When a person is in custody and subject to interrogation; rights to remain silent, to have counsel, and that anything said may be used in court.
• B. Only during traffic stops.
• C. Only after a conviction.
• D. When the person asks for a lawyer.

Answer: (A)

Miranda warnings are required whenever a person is in custody and subject to interrogation. Being in custody means a reasonable person would not feel free to leave, such as during an arrest or when detaining someone in a way that limits their freedom. Interrogation covers questions or other police conduct that are likely to elicit an incriminating response.

The warnings convey three essential rights: the right to remain silent; the right to have an attorney present during questioning; and the right to have an attorney appointed if they cannot afford one. They also inform that anything said can be used against the person in court. If the person chooses to waive these rights, interrogation may proceed; if they request a lawyer, questioning must stop until the lawyer is present. These warnings are not required simply during routine traffic stops or after conviction, and they aren’t triggered only by a request for a lawyer.