5th Amendment · Miranda

Police, arrests and criminal cases: know your rights

What you can say and refuse when police want to talk to you, stop you or arrest you, and how to get a lawyer. Federal rules first, with state differences noted.

• Your rightsYour right to remain silent with policeYou generally don't have to answer police questions, but staying quiet isn't enough. The exact words to use, your Miranda rights and when to ask for a lawyer.

General information, not legal advice.