Glossary
Miranda rights
The warnings police must give a suspect in custody before interrogation: the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and that anything they say can be used against them. Named after the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.
Miranda warnings only apply when both conditions are met: the person is in custody (not free to leave) and being interrogated (asked questions designed to elicit incriminating responses). Routine traffic stops, brief on-the-scene questioning, and voluntary conversations with police don't trigger Miranda.
If police violate Miranda, the consequence is usually that any statements the suspect made are inadmissible at trial. It doesn't mean the case gets thrown out: physical evidence and witness testimony can still come in.
If you're ever in a situation where police want to question you and you're not sure of your status, the safest answer is to clearly say "I'm exercising my right to remain silent and I want a lawyer." Then stop talking.