Before interrogating a suspect who is in custody, what must occur?

• A. Provide a Lawyer Only If Asked
• B. Read the Suspect Their Miranda Rights
• C. No Rights Are Required
• D. Only Inform the Suspect of Charges

Answer: (B)

When someone is in custody and you’re going to question them, you must read them their Miranda warnings first. This step protects the person’s Fifth Amendment rights by informing them they can remain silent and have an attorney, and that anything they say can be used against them. If they choose to speak, you must obtain a knowing and voluntary waiver of those rights; if they ask for a lawyer, questioning must stop until counsel is present. Only after the warnings and any valid waiver can interrogation proceed. Without this warning, statements can be excluded in court.