Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers
Constitutional Protections of a Criminal Defendant in Washington
If you have been charged with a crime in Washington and have questions regarding your constitutional rights, you should contact one of the aggressive Seattle criminal defense attorneys at McNeese " Trotsky, PLLC immediately. We will provide you with important case related information during your free consultation, and answer any case related questions that you may have.
When the United States Constitution was signed in 1787, many important laws were put into place to establish justice and protect the rights of citizens, including those accused of serious criminal offenses. The U.S. Constitution and the amendments which have followed, identify the extent of power which the government has, while outlining the individual rights which apply to citizens.
The Bill of Rights, which includes the first 10 amendments, details the basic and fundamental rights of individuals. The government may not impose on any of those rights. Protection for a criminal defendant in the criminal justice system is covered by the constitutional rights within the Bill of Rights.
In recent years, the United States Supreme Court has interpreted the due process clause within the Fourteenth Amendment, and has determined that most of the rights are not exclusively related to the Federal system; rather, they apply to State criminal justice systems as well.
In order to promote a fair trial for each criminal defendant in the United States, there are a number of Federal constitutional rights which apply, such as:
- The right to be free of unreasonable search and seizure
- The right to an impartial jury
- The right to equal protection under the law
- The right against self-incrimination
- The right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment
- The right to due process of law
- The right to a speedy and public trial
- The right to call supporting witnesses
- The right to be free from excessive fines or excessive bail
Please keep in mind that these rights have been interpreted by the courts and if you would like more information about your legal rights, please contact one of our experienced Seattle criminal defense attorneys.
The United States criminal justice system was designed to provide constitution protections to all criminal defendants to ensure that a fair trial occurs. It is important to hire a skilled Bellevue criminal defense lawyer as early as possible, following an arrest or even during a criminal investigation to make certain that your rights are protected.
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.