What must police do to inform a suspect of their right to counsel?

Study for the Wisconsin 720-Hour Academy Phase I Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to pass your exam!

To inform a suspect of their right to counsel, the police must present them with their Miranda rights. The Miranda rights include informing the individual of their right to remain silent and their right to have an attorney present during questioning. This is a crucial step to ensure that suspects are aware of their legal rights, particularly in the context of custodial interrogations.

The requirement to present Miranda rights stems from the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona, which established that individuals taken into police custody must be informed of their rights to protect against self-incrimination. This process is designed to safeguard the suspect's ability to make informed decisions about whether to speak with law enforcement.

While notifying the suspect verbally could suffice in some respects, it is the specific presentation of the Miranda rights, which includes the right to counsel, that fulfills the legal obligation. This information is essential for protecting the suspect's rights and ensuring that any statements made during interrogation are admissible in court.

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