Your Legal Rights
Individuals accused of Criminal offenses have 5 basic rights. The first,
the right to an attorney, is explained in the Miranda rights that are
read upon an arrest or detainment.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- Anything you say may be used against you.
- You have the right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you.
These rights are reiterated and expanded upon as follows:
1. Right to an Attorney - Defendants have the right
to an attorney throughout legal proceedings. The court will appoint an
attorney for the defendant at no charge if they cannot afford to hire
one. Yet, at the end of the case, they may be asked to pay all or part
of the cost for that attorney, if they can afford to.
2. Right to a Jury Trial - Defendants have the right
to a speedy, public jury trial. At the trial, the defendant is presumed
innocent, and cannot be convicted unless 12 impartial jurors are convinced
of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
3. Right to Confront Witnesses - Defendants have the
right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against them.
4. Right Against Self-Incrimination - The defendant
has the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves, and the
right to testify on their own behalf.
5. Right to Produce Evidence - The defendant has the
right to present evidence and to have the court issue a subpoena to bring
into court all witnesses and evidence favorable to them, at no cost to
them.
These rights are set in place to protect any individual accused of a
crime. It is up to a court of law to decide whether the individual is
guilty or innocent. If you or someone you know have been accused or are
under investigation for any criminal offense, you should contact an attorney
immediately.
A Criminal Defense Attorney For You
is here to provide you with resources for finding an attorney and exploring
your legal rights. Let us help you find criminal defense attorneys and
criminal defense lawyers in the following states.
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