What can happen if Miranda rights are not properly administered?

If Miranda rights are not properly administered, the primary consequence is that statements made by the suspect may be deemed inadmissible as evidence in court. This stems from the requirement established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Miranda v. Arizona, which mandates that individuals taken into custody must be informed of their rights to silence and legal counsel before being subjected to interrogation.

When law enforcement fails to provide this warning, any self-incriminating statements the suspect makes could not be used against them in a court of law, as they did not make those statements with the understanding that they had the right to remain silent or to consult with an attorney. This principle is grounded in the Fifth Amendment's protection against self-incrimination and is intended to ensure that individuals are not coerced into relinquishing their rights under pressure during police questioning. As a result, the inadmissibility of statements is a crucial safeguard for protecting the rights of suspects.