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Defendant's Rights

Your legal rights as an American are never more important than they are when you have been accused of a crime. Unfortunately, this is also the time when they are most often violated. From the time the police initiates contact with the accused until that person is either sentenced or let go, very specific laws and guidelines must be followed to ensure that individual rights are not violated. Because violations of a defendant's rights can have a serious impact on the outcome of a case, it is important that individuals who have been accused of a crime understand and fully invoke their legal rights.

If you have been accused of a crime, make sure you know your legal rights and options. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with a respected and aggressive criminal defense attorney who can evaluate your case and plan an effective defense strategy.

Key Defendant's Rights

Defendant's have numerous legal rights, the most important of which include the following:

  • Defendant's right to remain silent – You have the right to not be forced to incriminate yourself.
  • Defendant's right to a jury trial – You have the right to a trial by a jury of 12 of your peers.
  • Defendant's right to a public trial – You have the right to have your trial witnessed by the public.
  • Defendant's right to not be tried for the same crime twice – You cannot be tried for the same crime twice.
  • Defendant's right to cross-examine witnesses – You have the right to question—face-to-face in most cases—any witness testifying against you.
  • Defendant's right to legal representation – You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire your own lawyer, the state is required to provide you with legal representation at no charge.

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