If you are charged with a crime in Texas, it can feel like the cards are not in your favor. Not only do you face prosecution under one of the most strict states in the country, but the prosecution seemingly has unlimited resources to put you away. Though you may feel hopeless, it’s critical to understand that you can rely on the United States Constitution as a criminal defendant. This document helps outline the rights of the accused. If you’re facing charges, this blog explores what you should know and why it’s in your best interest to connect with Houston criminal defense lawyers who can help you through these complicated issues.
Do I Have Rights as a Criminal Defendant?
As mentioned, the United States Consitution provides a variety of protections for those facing criminal charges. One of the most important is your right to remain silent so as not to incriminate yourself, as provided by the Fifth Amendment. This essentially states that if you are under arrest, you do not need to speak to the police. This is to protect you from saying anything that can be held against you in a court of law.
Another important set of rights comes from the Sixth Amendment. This guarantees several rights regarding your status as a defendant including:
- The right to a speedy trial
- The right to a court-appointed attorney if you cannot afford one
- The right to confront your accuser
- The right to a public trial
- The right to an impartial jury
- The right to know what evidence there is against you
Finally, another critical right criminal defendants have is protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. In many instances, you’ll find that the police need a warrant, probable cause, or your consent to search your property. As such, if they do not have any of these elements, they are prohibited from conducting a search.
What Should I Do if My Rights Are Violated?
If your rights as a criminal defendant are violated, it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You should contact an attorney the moment you discover that you are in legal trouble as they can help fight to ensure your rights are protected from the very beginning of your case. Regardless, if a violation does occur, a lawyer can fight for action to be taken.
For example, suppose the police conduct an unreasonable search and seizure of your home and discover controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. In that case, your attorney can fight to have this evidence deemed inadmissible in court, as it was obtained because your rights were violated.
At the Gonzalez Law Group, our dedicated team understands how frustrating it can be to have your rights violated while trying to fight for justice. That’s why our team is ready to fight for you. If you are a victim of a Constitutional violation as a criminal defendant, contact us today to learn how we can help you seek justice.
