What Are Your Rights When Accused of a Crime?

The criminal justice system rarely follows a straight path and being accused of a crime can mark the beginning of your worst nightmare. More often than not, understanding your constitutional rights can make a whole difference when you are navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.

So, if you are accused of a crime, what are your rights?

You Have a Right to a Fair and Speedy Trial

The Sixth Amendment protects the rights of every U.S. citizen, guaranteeing you the right to a fair and speedy public trial by an independent jury. The right to a fair and speedy trial eliminates complexities that arise from undue delays and lack of transparency during the judicial process. Ultimately, you will not be held in court longer than is necessary, and you will not be financially strained from unnecessary delays in the court process.

You Have a Right to be Informed of All Charges

If anyone accuses you of a crime, law enforcement officers will often search for you and take you to a detention center. You have a right to be informed of all charges brought up against you, including the nature and the cause of any accusations labeled against you. As a result, you can take action and prepare to defend yourself adequately depending on the legal implications of these charges, usually with the help of legal counsel.

You Have a Right to Legal Representation

The last part of your Miranda rights states that you have a right to legal representation, and the court will appoint one for you if you cannot hire one for yourself. Legal counsel is trained on how to proceed with a court process, and it is almost impossible to complete any of these processes without legal guidance. Legal representation gives you the best chance of getting a favorable outcome from a criminal trial.

Navigating Your Rights

If anyone accuses you of a crime that gets you arrested, you can get your life turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, some outcomes from the legal process fail to take into consideration your rights as an accused. If you’re facing criminal charges, consult The Williams Litigation Group. We can help you effectively navigate these rights and work toward a favorable outcome.