A police warning that you can stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and have one appointed if you cannot afford one.

Each part matters. "Stay silent" means you do not have to answer police questions about a crime. "Ask for a lawyer" means questioning should stop once you clearly say you want an attorney. "Appointed if you cannot afford one" means a public defender may be provided in a criminal case. These rights usually apply when both custody and interrogation are happening together. If police are just talking to you casually and you are free to leave, the warning may not be required yet. If they arrest you and start asking questions, that is where Miranda issues usually come up. The rule comes from Miranda v. Arizona (1966), and Minnesota courts follow it.

Practically, the safest move is simple: say, "I want a lawyer. I am staying silent." Then stop talking. Do not try to explain, smooth things over, or guess what police already know. Even one small statement can be used against you, and silence after clearly invoking your rights is usually stronger than half-answering questions.

Miranda can also affect an injury-related case. If you were hurt during an arrest, after a crash, or before treatment at Hennepin Healthcare, what you told police may affect both the criminal case and any later civil claim or evidence dispute. If police questioned you without proper warnings while you were in custody, a lawyer may challenge whether those statements can be used in court.