Field Resource · Case Law
Questioning & Miranda
Quick reference—verify current law and follow agency policy. Summaries do not independently establish search or arrest authority.
Florida tags identify Florida state-court decisions. Nationwide decisions apply in Florida too; DCA decisions may have district-specific limits.
Almeida v. State
Answer genuine questions about rights · 737 So. 2d 520 (Fla. 1999)
When a suspect asks a clear, genuine question about a constitutional right during interrogation, stop and make a good-faith effort to answer before resuming.
Berkemer v. McCarty
Roadside questioning and custody · 468 U.S. 420 (1984)
Ordinary roadside questioning during a traffic stop generally is not Miranda custody. Custody can arise when the restraint becomes comparable to formal arrest.
Miranda v. Arizona
Custody plus interrogation · 384 U.S. 436 (1966)
Before custodial interrogation, provide the required warnings and obtain a valid waiver. Custody and interrogation must both be present for the Miranda warning requirement.
Traylor v. State
Florida constitutional questioning protections · 596 So. 2d 957 (Fla. 1992)
Florida's Constitution provides its own protections for custodial interrogation, including warnings and a valid waiver.