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Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

If you have been charged with a crime, working closely with an attorney who will clearly explain all rights, options and consequences can help you make decisions that are in your best interests. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Learn How Illinois Criminal Laws May Affect You

If you have been arrested, the consequences you face can be severe. It is critical to understand how Illinois criminal law and criminal procedure may affect you. While reading about the law on the Internet is a good start, talking with a lawyer is the best way to learn your options. Contact the Champaign-Urbana and Danville, Illinois locations of Patel & Lehman, PC, by calling us toll free at 888-341-0748, locally at 217-903-4867 or by completing our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.

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At Patel & Lehman, PC, we handle a broad spectrum of criminal defense matters, including drug crimes, sex crimes and, murder and homicide in Federal and Illinois State courts. The seriousness of the consequences you face will vary depending on the nature of the crime, your prior criminal record and any federal sentencing guidelines that may apply.

Equipped to handle even the most serious criminal matters, attorney Baku N. Patel is a former federal and senior county prosecutor and former chief public defender. He is certified by the Illinois Supreme Court as a member of the Capital Litigation Trial Bar in recognition of his years of criminal law experience and experience handling complex criminal cases.

Constitutional Protections for the Criminal Defendant

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 Patel & Lehman, PC in Danville, Illinois, 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 Patel & Lehman, PC in Danville, Illinois, as early as possible to enlist an important ally in your quest to protect your legal and constitutional rights.

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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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