U.S. Supreme Court Protects Law Enforcement from Miranda Right Lawsuits

U.S. Supreme Court Protects Law Enforcement from Miranda Right Lawsuits

Have you heard the new ruling regarding your Miranda Rights? On June 23, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision that would protect law enforcement officials from lawsuits resulting from failing to read suspects their Miranda Rights. So, what happens now?

What Caused This Change?

The Vega v. Tekoh case sparked this change regarding your Miranda Rights. Nurse assistant Terence Tekoh was accused of sexually assaulting an immobile hospital patient at his workplace. Sheriff’s deputy Carlos Vega obtained a written confession, but Tekoh was acquitted of criminal charges in court. Tekoh turned around and filed a lawsuit against Vega for violating his Fifth Amendment rights, claiming that Vega did not give him a proper Miranda warning before obtaining the confession. Tekoh claimed that Vega interrogated him into a false confession.

The Result

The U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito wrote in his majority opinion that, “a violation of Miranda is not itself a violation of the Fifth Amendment, we see no justification for expanding Miranda to confer a right to sue.”
This ruling does not get rid of your Miranda Rights but protects law enforcement officials from unnecessary lawsuits. If someone speaks self-incriminating statements without being given their Miranda warning, these statements can only be suppressed in court.

How Does This Affect You?

If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you should be given your Miranda rights, try to remember them on your own so that you do not say anything that may be self-incriminating. If you or a loved one is experiencing legal trouble regarding this topic, please do not hesitate to contact our office today at 608-975-2989 so we can assist you.