What might happen if a criminal suspect doesn't understand his Miranda rights?

If a criminal suspect does not understand his Miranda rights, any confession he makes could potentially be thrown out in court. The Miranda rights inform individuals in custody of their right to remain silent and their right to legal counsel before interrogation. This understanding is crucial because it ensures that suspects are aware of their rights and can make informed decisions about whether to speak to law enforcement.

If it is determined that the suspect did not have a clear understanding of these rights, it could be argued that any statement or confession made during an interrogation was not voluntary or was coerced, violating the suspect's Fifth Amendment rights. Courts require that Miranda rights be communicated effectively, and if a suspect cannot grasp these rights, it undermines the legal process. Therefore, any confession obtained in such circumstances may be deemed inadmissible in court, protecting the rights of the defendant and ensuring that due process is upheld.