Your Rights

When facing criminal charges or when going through a criminal trial, an individual has certain rights which must not be violated. Many rights are included in the United States Constitution. Some rights associated with the criminal process include the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and more. By exercising these rights, a defendant is then given the greatest opportunity at a fair criminal process - helping to eliminate the chances of an innocent man or woman being found guilty for a crime he or she did not actually commit.

Every right which is granted to a suspect or a defendant is extremely important. Some of these rights include:

• Miranda rights (read to an suspect upon arrest by law enforcement)
• The right to an attorney in most criminal proceedings (5th and 6th Amendments of the Constitution)
• The right to a "speedy" trial by jury (6th Amendment)
• Protection against illegal search and seizure (4th Amendment)
• The right of a defendant to refuse questioning in a trail (5th Amendment)
• Double Jeopardy - protection against being tried twice for the same crime
• Protection against cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment)

This is but a few of the basic rights which apply to an individual in the criminal process. In working with an attorney, you can help ensure that these rights are protected by a legal professional and that you are given due process of the law.

To find a criminal defense attorney in your area, click here.