Last week while I was working I was robbed at the store.The police have not found the suspect.A few days later they called me and asked if I would stop by for a few questions I agreed thinking nothing of it.When I arrived they brought me into an interview room and read me my miranda rights I was never arrested nor am I involved with the incident I just happened to be the only witness.So my question is why did they read me my rights is it legal and do I have to continue to talk to them now.Also the interview was not tape recorded but they did say I was a suspect.
What on Earth makes you believe the interview was not recorded? They do not have to tell you if it was or not, and I'd be willing to bet a sawbuck that it WAS recorded - at least on an audio tape if not video.
They likely read you your rights because you were in a confined space and might feel that you were not free to go, and if you suddenly had a Perry Mason moment and confessed to being involved in the crime they wouldn't want to lose the confession because an attorney argued that you were in custody and Miranda should have applied.
In some agencies, Miranda is policy before any interview in a confined space even if you were not technically under arrest (as it can be argued that the restraint was consistent with an arrest). I suspect that was the case here. Plus, if they do believe you to be involved, they will of course read you your rights.
Oh, and as you were told when they Mirandized you, you could have declined to speak with them.
