Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

The criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. For guidance about criminal procedures and help building a defense, contact a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.

Important Information about Your Rights in a Criminal Matter

Provided by the Attorneys at Furman & Furman, LLP

If you face criminal charges, you may be uncertain about the law, the process and your rights in a criminal prosecution. The information on this page is designed to answer your basic questions, so that you can more effectively work with your attorney.

At the law office of Furman & Furman, LLP, in Daphne, Alabama, we have over five decades of experience handling criminal matters. Our criminal defense attorney, John Furman, is a former Alabama prosecutor who knows how the state handles criminal cases. We will work closely with you to protect your constitutional rights.

To learn more, see our criminal defense page. For a free initial consultation, contact our office online or call us at 251-517-0972 or toll-free at 888-503-6895.

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Criminal defense lawyer with 27 years of experience. Contact the law office of Furman & Furman, LLP, in Daphne, Alabama, to set up a free initial consultation. Attorney John Furman is a former Alabama prosecutor who knows what to anticipate in a criminal case. We handle all types of felonies and misdemeanors, from drug cases to homicide.

If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, contact Furman & Furman, LLP, in Daphne, Alabama, for a free initial consultation. We handle all types of criminal matters, including drug crimes, assault and battery, robbery and murder. Attorney John Furman was an Alabama prosecutor for 11 years before opening our practice.

The United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first 10 amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. The Fourteenth Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond just the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts, where the vast majority of criminal trials occur.

The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state or local, a seasoned criminal defense attorney from Furman & Furman, LLP in Daphne, Alabama, can explain these rights to you and help you to fight for them at every step of the way.

Fundamental Rights

Here are the main federal constitutional rights guaranteed to criminal defendants in the United States to promote fair trials. Remember that these rights have been refined and interpreted by the courts and an attorney can advise you about their role in and application to your particular case.

The right to due process of law
The right to equal protection under the law
The right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure
The right against self-incrimination or being forced to testify against oneself
The right against double jeopardy or being tried more than once for the same offense
The right to legal counsel
The right to a speedy, public trial
The right to an impartial jury trial
The right to confront witnesses against you
The right to call supporting witnesses
The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
The prohibition against ex post facto laws or laws that retroactively criminalize certain acts or increase criminal sanctions
The right to be free from excessive fines or excessive bail
The right to clear notice of criminal charges
The right to a grand jury in federal felony proceedings

Conclusion

Our criminal justice system is designed through constitutional protections to provide a criminal defendant with a fair trial. If you face any phase of the process, consult an experienced attorney like one from Furman & Furman, LLP in Daphne, Alabama, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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