Under what two conditions must officers read a suspect their Miranda Warning?

Prepare for the OPOTA Specialized Peace Officers Test. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The requirement for officers to read a suspect their Miranda Warning arises under two specific conditions: when the suspect is in custody and when they are being interrogated.

Being "in custody" means that the suspect's freedom of action is significantly restricted, akin to being under arrest. This condition is crucial because it signals that the individual is not free to leave and is likely to be subject to police questioning, which can be coercive in nature.

"Interrogation" refers to any questioning by law enforcement that is intended to elicit incriminating responses from the suspect. This concept is broad and includes both direct questioning and any actions or statements by the police that are likely to lead to an incriminating response.

Together, these conditions establish the necessity for the Miranda Warning, which informs suspects of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, safeguarding their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the legal process. Hence, under these circumstances, failure to provide this warning could render any statements made by the suspect inadmissible in court.

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